HEAVEN & EARTH AIKIDO
We offer a variety of convenient training days and times.
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY
6:00 - 7:00 PM
7:15 - 8:15 PM
6:00 - 7:00 PM
7:15 - 8:15 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, 6th 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 NYC Provisional Joint Task Force at Ground Zero.
Instructor
Tammy Bowcutt - Sandan (3rd degree black belt), Fukushidoin
Tammy earned her Sandan in 2026 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. She has also trained in boxing and self-defense.
Instructor
Peter Wilson - Nidan (2nd degree black belt), 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.
Instructor
Andy Reinhardt - Sandan (3rd degree black belt), Fukushidoin
Sensei Andy started training nearly 40 years ago, including time at New York Aikikai. Andy served as an uchi deshi with Yamada Sensei in the 1980s. He has also studied Kendo and Tae Kwon Do.
Instructor
Oly Medlicott - Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
Oly started aikido in 2003, holds 3rd Dan, and has been practicing all around the world, often in Japan. She loves aikido connection through practice in the dojo, as well as the mental and spiritual growth.
Oly enjoys teaching kids, teens, and adults, making aikido possible for everyone to learn and achieve their best. Now practicing and teaching at Heaven & Earth dojo with her husband James and six year old son Alex.
Instructor
Jonas Wilson - Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Jonas began training at Heaven and Earth in 2017, and earned his shodan in 2022. He has trained at seminars and dojos across the US and abroad. Also, Jonas has served as an uchi deshi at New York Aikikai. Outside of aikido, Jonas was a competitive fencer, and has trained in karate, thai boxing, and MMA.
He enjoys aikido for its dynamic practice, robust community, and appealing philosophy.
Instructor
Bradley Thomas - Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Bradley Thomas has been training since 2017, when he took his first class at Heaven & Earth and fell in love with the philosophy and ideology of Aikido. He has been a Yudansha since 2023, and trained in dojos in the US and abroad, including as an uchi deshi at NY Aikikai.
He strives to not just practice the Way on the mat, but in every other aspect of his life as well.
Junior Instructor
Charles-Olivier Thompson
Charles-Olivier has over 11 years of Aikido experience in. He trained for four years under Claude Berthiaume, 8th Dan and member of the USAF technical committee. He has been practicing at Heaven & Earth since 2018 and is currently ranked 1st Kyu.
Charles-Olivier’s favorite part of Aikido training is seeing kids progress in the Way.
Junior Instructor
Paul Bronhard
Paul has been at Heaven and Earth Aikido since 2015 and training under Sensei Brian Ericksen. He is a 2nd Kyu and has been learning how to harmonize Aikido's practices into his daily life.
Paul enjoys spreading his energy to others on the mat and better understand the Way of Aikido. He helps fellow students do the same.
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.