Our Instructors
All instructors at Aikido Shugyo Dojo have certification in basic CPR-First Aid and have gone through a screening process to ensure the safety of all students. The instruction offered at Aikido Shugyo Dojo reflects our mission.
Dojo-cho and Chief Instructor
Gabriel (Gabe) DiMarco Sensei holds 5th Dan black belt from Aikido Shinseikai and 5th Dan black belt from Aikikai World Headquarters. He is a Shinseikai jun-shihan (associate master teacher).
Gabriel Sensei started Aikido training in 1992 with the founder of our Dojo, Fran Turner Sensei. He had the opportunity to meet and learn from Kanshu Sunadomari Sensei (a war time live-in student of the Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba O’sensei) in Japan and regularly trained with Sunadomari Sensei’s long-time direct student Terumasa Hamada Sensei on his visits to Kumamoto before his passing. His strong weapons background is a result of intensive training with Stefan Barton Sensei (Golden Triangle Aikido).
Gabriel Sensei also practices Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳) as a martial art and Archery. Outside of the martial arts, he has a background in auto racing.
How do you foster the development of Aikido students？
Associate Instructors 2025
Senior students at Aikido Shugyo Dojo share the teaching responsibilities.
George Chan
George started training in Aikido under Cris Rusu Sensei in 1995. In 2000, George began training under Fran Turner Sensei at Aikido Shugyo dojo. Influenced by Clyde Takeguchi Sensei and Mary Heiny Sensei as well as many others, he finds Aikido to be quite delightful.
Donald Young
Donald started at Aikido Shugyo Dojo in the fall of 2000 after trying one of the introductory classes. Two days later he signed up and has been training ever since. Donald teaches regularly and strives to foster a welcoming spirit.
Jame Groot
Jamie began his aikido career in the spring of 2003 at Aikido Shugyo Dojo. He appreciates the non-violent nature of the art. Even after ten years, aikido continues to challenge him, and he sees that as a very positive thing. Jamie emphasizes good posture and relaxed movement.
Ayumi Mito Takahashi
Ayumi started her training in 2005 with Fran Turner Sensei and Gabe DiMarco Sensei at Aikido Shugyo Dojo. She studies the Shinseikai/Manseikan style of aikido under Aikido Shinseikai founded by Terumasa Hamada Sensei in Kumamoto. Ayumi was involved with baseball and softball for many years but found Aikido relates to her daily life in a positive and effective way.
Sumi Sato
Sumi started her Aikido training in 2006 at Aikido Shugyo Dojo with Fran Turner Sensei and Gabe DiMarco Sensei. Influenced by Clyde Takeguchi Shihan (Capital Aikikai) and Stefan Barton Sensei (Golden Triangle Aikido), she found that Aikido is not just learning about techniques but also making good harmony with others. Her teachings reflect this understanding.