Aikido is a martial art that allows the human spirit develop itself by unifying ones body, mind and spirit. Aikido movements may seem circular and soft on the surface but with some application of force, Aikido can be devastating in nature. Through understanding of this principle one can have physical exercise, gain spiritual development, learn proper etiquette and behavior towards all humans one encounters in life.
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Monell Sensei,
NYAA Chief Instructor/Yondan Aikikai (4th degree black belt)
Monell Sensei first discovered the Japanese martial art of Aikido in 1993 while developing a Defensive Tactics program for a law enforcement agency. A friend directed him to visit the dojo of a very kind and gentle man on Smith Street in Brooklyn. Shaku Joseph Jarman Sensei, a Buddhist priest and Goddan (5th degree black belt) in Aikido embodied power, precision and compassion on the mat. A small man with soft voice, he dominated attackers before they even threw their first punch and controlled their attacks with almost effortless movements. Monell Sensei, already a black belt in the Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do, enrolled as a student at Jikishinkan Dojo that same night.
Monell Sensei practiced under Jarman Sensei for 12 years earning the rank of Sandan, or third degree black belt. He instructed the advanced classes at the Jikishinkan dojo for several years. He studied under the late Fumio Toyoda Shinan of the Aikido Association of America for almost a decade and now operates his own dojo, the NYAA under Andrew Sato Sensei, Chief Instructor of the Aikido World Alliance. Monell Sensei has also practiced under Shizuo Imaizumi Shihan.
Monell Sensei opened his new dojo - the New York Aikido Alliance in June 2005.
