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INSTRUCTORS

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR: RICK BERRY (6th Dan)

Rick Berry Sensei has trained in the martial arts since 1965. He received his black belt in a Tae Kwon Do system called "Ji Do Kwan" in 1969. He has taught over 2,000 students as a Tae Kwon Do instructor, and has promoted 22 black belt students.

Rick Berry Sensei has trained in Aikido for over 20 years, and achieved 1st degree black belt rank in 1990. He was designated as regional coordinator for the tri-state area in 1996, and promoted to 5th degree black belt by Shuji Maruyama Sensei in August 2001. Rick teaches Aikido at Swarthmore College in the PE department, and many of the classes at the Wilmington dojo.

Present Rank:
2nd dan (2nd degree black belt) in Ji Do Kwan / Tae Kwan Do
Founder of the Quiet Storm System of Ji Do Kwan / Tae Kwon Do
6th dan (6th degree black belt) in Aikido Kokikai ryu
7th dan, Sanuces Ryu System of Ju Jutsu

Sensei Berry is the author of Stepping off the Mat, published in 2004. (Click on the book or the title above to learn more.)

Browse Sensei Berry's blog to read his thoughts on aikido, the martial arts, and much more.

Nathaniel Nichols (4th dan)

In 1969 Nick enrolled in judo for the fall semester, then in the spring semester began to study Tae Kwon Do and continued for the next 4 years. From 1974-1985 he studied "Ji Do Kwan" style of tae kwon do under Mr. Rick Berry of the Quiet Storm Karate Club of Chester. PA.

Beginning in 1984, Nick has been studying Kokikai style of aikido under Mr. Rick Berry in Swarthmore, PA. and Wilmington, DE.

Present Rank:
6th dan (6th degree black belt) Quiet Storm System, Ji Do Kwan / Tae Kwon Do
4th dan (4th degree black belt) in Kokikai aikido

Ted Walsky (3rd dan)

Ted has been studying under Sensei Berry since early 1991 and is one of Sensei Berry's senior students in Aikido. He initially got into Aikido through a friend of his who was already a part of the Swarthmore dojo. For someone whom fighting seemed very foreign, Aikido was a great match. Fascinated by the philosophy and what he saw, he joined. Because of the strength of the friends he made, he stayed. Ted has been teaching Aikido since 1995 and taught the early basics classes. He now teaches regular adult classes in his own unique way - with focus and humor - passing on what Sensei Berry has taught him.

Andrew Furst (3rd dan)

Andrew started aikido in 1991. He is attracted to aikido for not only its grace and power, but also for its spiritual nature.

Andrew currently teaches the Thursday night regular class. His teaching skills , however, extend beyond the dojo, as he is an elementary school teacher. He finds that his training in aikido helps his classroom presence where he finds the principles of redirection and blending useful in classroom management.

Carolyn Flechsig (2nd dan)

Carolyn has been practicing martial arts for a little over 20 years. She started out as a student of Marcus Smith, and discovered the fledgling Swarthmore and Wilmington dojo by a happy accident in late 1995. She feels fortunate to be training with such wonderful cohorts of all levels and ages!

Famous for her story of “How I learned the Jo Kata” and her infectious enthusiasm, She instituted the Children’s class when the Wilmington dojo was first opened in 1996. She most recently became extraordinarily proud of three newly minted brown belts who had been her students for several years in the kids class, and have (long) since graduated into teens and adults classes. Carolyn has also been fortunate to have taught Aikido to college students as part of the Swarthmore College athletic program.

Seeking new balance through a recent family difficulty and personal medical issues, she can still be found haunting the mats of the Wilmington and Swarthmore Dojos, assisting and helping others in their learning experience, giving big hugs and smiles and encouragement…and most importantly, practicing positive mind.

Mike Novak (2nd dan)

Mike has been with Aikido Kokikai since 1992 and received his Shodan rank under Ken Blackwell Sensei with the New Hope/Ewing dojo. Mike also has a background in Shodokan Karate.

He has found a second home with Rick Berry Sensei in the Wilmington dojo after relocating to Delaware and is currently Nidan rank teaching Youth, Regular, & Basics Classes.

Mike’s focus is in finding the “maximum effect” in technique using correct motion instead of muscle force: “There is a magic in completing a throw or being thrown correctly and it is what gets me back on the mat every week”.

Mary Sample (1st dan)

Mary has been practicing aikido since 1996 and earned her black belt in 2001. After initiating the creation of the Teen Aikido class in 1994, she remains an instructor of the Sunday Teen class.

Mary has her own holistic healing practice and is certified in multiple disciplines. She sees Aikido as contributing to her personal holistic approach because it not only develops the mind-body connection, but also employs a strong spiritual aspect to it. Mary is available to see clients for healing sessions at the Aikido dojo and she offers a discount rate to dojo members. She also teaches seminars on various holistic topics, such as Reiki, which are open to the public.

Ron Williams (1st dan)

Ron is a basic aikido and aikibudo instructor. He enjoys the challenge of blending traditional aikido techniques with empty hand striking and kicking techniques. In addition to holding a black belt in aikido, he also holds a black belt in taekwondo and a brown belt in judo. Ron practices law in Philadelphia, PA.

Favorite aikido quote: "Atemi accounts for 99% of aikido." Ueshiba Morihei, founder of aikido.

Aaron Shapiro (1st dan)

Aaron teaches both aikido and aikibudo (blending of several styles and approaches based on aiki principles). He also holds black belts in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, and a brown belt in Judo. Aaron focuses on developing the smooth, fluid delivery of power and control in every response to any situation.

Wilmington Aikido
Talleyville Center
4115 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE
Phone 302-478-2144