HEAVEN & EARTH AIKIDO
We offer a variety of training days to fit your busy schedule.
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6:00 - 7:00 PM
7:15 - 8:15 PM
6:00 - 7:00 PM
7:15 - 8:15 PM
6:00 - 7:00 PM
10:15 - 11:15 AM
11:30 - 12:30 PM
These classes provide aikido instruction as taught by Yoshimitsu Yamada and Seichi Sugano. Our program offers traditional and modern-day applications of aikido for self-defense, personal development, community service, and spiritual exploration. No matter your age, ability, or experience, our program offers an exciting and challenging curriculum suited to anyone who wishes to learn.
Our teaching philosophy allows for all of our students to train together regardless of rank or experience. A beginner will train with everyone in the same class, but from the first day they will receive one-to-one personal instruction as needed.
'Aikido is a spiritual path. Aikido is however a martial art and students must be able to protect themselves and as importantly, those they love and have responsibility for. I have used the art easily and effectively to protect myself in dangerous situtions and I expect the same of Heaven and Earth students." Sensei Brian Ericksen
Brian Ericksen - Shidoin, 5th Dan
Dojo-cho Heaven & Earth Aikido
Ericksen Sensei has over 25 years of experience in Aikido. For almost 3 years he was uchi deshi (inner student) to Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (2/17/1938-1/15/2023) 8th Dan, Chairman of the USAF. Sensei Seiichi Sugano (12/17/1939-8/29/2010) 8th Dan, was a close mentor and guide from his time as uchi deshi till his death.
Sensei Ericksen was the first person to teach Aikido in Iraq. He taught Afghans, Army, and Marines in Afghanistan and was a civilian first responder on 9-11, working with the New York City Provisional Joint Task Force at Ground Zero.
Instructor
Tony Breda - 2nd Dan, Nidan
Sensei Breda began his Aikido training in 1983 at the Shobukan under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, training off and on in Baltimore and Washington, then under the Kokukai in Mt Airy md for several years. After a long hiatus, he found Brian Ericksen Sensei in Herndon Virginia when the dojo opened in 2013 and has been training there ever since.
Instructor
Tammy Bowcutt - Nidan (2nd degree black belt), Fukushidoin
Tammy earned her Nidan in 2022 and was named fukushidoin (assistant instructor license) in 2021. She has been training since 2014, and using Aikido movements in her executive coaching practice since 2010. Tammy is certified in the Strozzi Institute somatic coaching method.
Instructor
Peter Wilson - 1st Dan, Fukushidoin
Peter joined Heaven and Earth Aikido in 2017 months after his daughter and son started practice. He earned his first degree black belt in 2020 under the instruction of Sensei Brian Ericksen and has assisted with instruction for both kids and adults since 2019. Peter also holds dan grades in jujitsu and trained in judo and kickboxing for many years.
Tony Breda (1965-2021), Sandan
Emeritus Dojo-cho
Fukushidoin
Heaven & Earth Aikido
Sensei Breda began his Aikido training in 1983 at the Shobukan under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, training off and on in Baltimore and Washington, then under the Kokukai in Mt Airy MD for several years. After a long hiatus, he found Brian Ericksen Sensei in Herndon Virginia when the dojo opened in 2013. His spirit continues to guide and inspire our dojo.