INSTRUCTOR

DAWN (SEION) VANDEVER SENSEI
Seion Vandever Sensei serves as the Chief Instructor and Dōjō-Chō at Aikido Kenshin Dojo. Her Aikido journey commenced in 2014 at Shinjinkai under Meido Moore Shihan's guidance and continued with John Mazza Sensei from 2015 to the present. Additionally, she trained under Keizan Murray Sensei until August 2023. As a Daiyuzenji member, she practices Zen.  She holds the of rank Nidan (2nd degree) in Aikido.

ADVISORS

LISA TOMOLEONI SHIHAN
Holds the rank of Roku Dan (6th degree Black Belt), received from Moriteru Ueshiba, Aikido Doshu. She spent over 14 years in Japan training at the Aikido World Headquarters and teaching Aikido professionally at a dojo in Tokyo.  Tomoleoni Shihan is the chief instructor  of Abiding Spirit Aikikai, and the Director of the Aikido Shimbokukai, an organization Officially Recognized by the Aikikai Foundation and Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. She also has yudansha ranking in Judo and Iaido and is a member of the Kenshukan Dojo in Tokyo. Tomoleoni Shihan is a co-author of the book "Along the Way", a collection of writings about training.
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JOHN MAZZA SENSEI
Mazza Sensei has over 50 years experience in the study, practice and teaching of the Martial Way. He began his training in Korea in 1964 studying the art of Judo. Upon his return to the United States, he began his study of Oriental Philosophy and Meditation. Believing that the only true path to self-understanding is through disciplined practice and the Martial Way, he immersed himself in the study and practice of various arts.  Mazza Sensei has studied various styles of Karate and Kung Fu. Feeling that there should be more to the Arts than kicking and punching, he embarked upon the study of Aikido. It was through this study that he gained a deep understanding of the Martial Way. At this time, he began the study of Zen and came to realize that all practice is truly one. The purpose of all training is the development of the individual.  Mazza Sensei currently holds the rank of Roku Dan (6th degree Black Belt) in Aikido, issued by Aikido World H.Q. in Tokyo, Japan.