Sr Instructor/Dojo President – ASU Godan

First introduced to aikido in 1991, Doug sensei began studying aikido seriously in 1994 with George Meyer sensei, while teaching History and Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy. He soon began teaching aikido with Meyer sensei and attended many seminars with Mitsugi Saotome shihan and top local Aikido Schools of Ueshiba teachers in the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore/NORVA area and from around the country. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1998, he continued teaching aikido and leading the Navy Aikido dojo until 2006, and subsequently at St. Johns College, Annapolis and Washington College in Chestertown, MD thru Eastern Shore Aikikai where he was chief instructor/dojo-cho. His teaching is characterized by focus on foundational movements and awareness of the body in time and space. He challenges students to make aikido connections drawing from everyday life experiences that are relatable to their training. He has an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as Asian medicine, that he combines in helping his students develop their center and progress their understanding. Doug sensei was promoted thru the dan ranks by Mitsugi Saotome shihan. After joining Lakeshore Aikido in 2021, he structured and implemented the reorganization and transition of the dojo in May 2022, and serves as president of the dojo. 

“I feel privileged to teach Aikido as I have learned it from Saotome shihan and other gifted teachers. My hope is that through my teaching I may contribute to others finding a grounding experience in all aspects of their lives.”