USAF AIKIKAI

These classes follow the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) curriculum 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.

Ericksen Sensei believes strongly in the philosophy of raising new students together with the rest of the community rather than isolating them in “beginner” classes. "We respect our seniors, and take care of our juniors."

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Chief Instructor Tony Breda - 2nd Dan, Fukoshidoin

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. 

Dojo Founding Instructor 

Brian Ericksen - 5th Dan, Godan

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Ericksen Sensei has over 25 years of experience in Aikido. For 3 years he was Uchideshi (Inner Student) to Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada 8th Dan, Chairman of the USAF, and direct student of Morihei Ueshiba. Shihan Seiichi Sugano was a mentor. Sensei was the first person to teach Aikido in Iraq, instructing the Iraqi and US military, as well as teaching Marines in Afghanistan.

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 - Shodan, Fukoshidoin

Tammy earned her Shodan in 2019 and was named fukoshidoin 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, Shodan

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 for more than two years. Peter also holds dan grades in Jui jitsu and trained in judo and kickboxing for many years.