Instructors

Charles Page

7th Dan

A student of Mitsugi Saotome shihan since the 1970s, Charlie Page sensei is a highly respected aikido instructor who continuously seeks to refine his skillset. He is committed to exploring how micromovements affect the martial application of aikido. Charlie Page sensei has been awarded the Ueshiba Juku designation by Saotome shihan. This honor identifies Charlie Page sensei as having received the principles of aikido in a direct line of succession from O-Sensei, through the teachings of Saotome shihan.

Teaching Schedule: Tuesdays 7:00–8:00 p.m., Thursdays 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Charles Weber

7th Dan

I started Aikido in 1975 in Denver, Colorado, with Seiji Tanaka sensei of Waseda University and Tomiki Aikido. Tanaka sensei and his assistant Stan Hartz were very kind to me. When Hiroshi Ikeda sensei moved to Boulder he and Glenn Bluestone introduced me to Mitsugi Saotome sensei. I was fortunate to have these people share their ideas about aikido with me as an aikido-crazy beginner. In 1981, I moved to Washington, D.C., to be a bicycle messenger and study with Saotome sensei. In 1988, Saotome sensei asked me to start a dojo with Charles Page in Baltimore.

In addition to receiving the rank of nanadan, Chuck Weber sensei has been given the Ueshiba Juku designation by Saotome shihan. Ueshiba Juku translates as “academy of the Founder.” It recognizes that the recipient has shown exceptional leadership in transmitting the teachings of O-Sensei and is a true inheritor of the teachings of O-Sensei through Saotome shihan.

Teaching Schedule: Saturdays 10:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

David Pitard

5th Dan

David Pitard has practiced martial arts for over twenty-five years. Starting aikido in the United States in the late 1980s, he moved to Japan in 1992 to further his martial arts study by enrolling at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo (world headquarters) in Tokyo. His training continued there throughout his seven years under the direction of the current doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba. After moving back to the United States, David spent five years training under Frank Doran sensei in California before making his home in Baltimore.

While in Japan, David also studied the traditional Japanese weapons art Shinto Muso-ryu jo (also known as “jodo”), in which he now holds a teaching license.

Teaching Schedule: Mondays 6:30–8:15 p.m., Wednesdays 7:00–8:30 p.m. (jodo), Saturdays 7:30–9:00 a.m. (jodo)

Jonathan Klopp

5th Dan Aikido, 5th Dan Jujutsu

A student of various martial arts, Jonathan began his aikido training under Paul Kang sensei at Bond Street Dojo in New York City. All of Jonathan's promotions have been approved by Saotome shihan.

In addition to Aikido, Jonathan has studied Eizan-ryu jujutsu under Felix Berrios shihan. Jonathan has received his godan (fifth degree black belt) in the art.

Teaching Schedule: Sundays 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Brian Healy

5th Dan

Brian began his training at Baltimore Aikido in high school with Charlie Page sensei. He has been a member of the dojo for more than twenty-five years and serves as president of the Baltimore Aikido board of directors. Brian continues his aikido education with seminars taught by Saotome shihan and other senior level aikido instructors. Brian's focus is on transmission of traditional aikido principles as taught to him.

Teaching Schedule: Fridays 6:00–7:00 p.m.

FLEMMING MADSEN

7th Dan Iaido, 4th Dan Aikido

Flemming started martial arts practice in Denmark in 1979. Initially focused on jujutsu, his practice later broadened to include other modern and classical martial arts—such as Yoshinkan Aikido, Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate, Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu, and Muso-Jikiden-Eishin-Ryu and Mugai-Ryu Iaido—when he went to Japan for the first time and started studying under senior masters there. As a result of this type of practice, Flemming firmly believes in the concept of sogo budo (“complete martial arts”), where ideas and technical aspects of multiple martial arts come together as one. In addition to ranks in Iaido and Aikido, Flemming obtained 5th Dan in Jujutsu and 2nd Dan in Karate. He is a direct student of Nakatani Yoshitaro Sensei, twelfth Soke of Mugai Ryu Iai Hyodo, from whom he received the Men no Maki in Mugai-Ryu, as well as Renshi 7th Dan under Nippon Iaido Renmei.

Teaching Schedule: Saturdays 8:30–10:00 a.m. (iaido), Thursdays 5:45-6:45 P. M. (iaido)

MATT RICE

3rd Dan Aikido, 1st Dan Kempo Jujutsu

I started martial arts in eighth grade with karate. By the end of high school I was training five days a week in two different karate styles and competing on the weekends. Over the years I have trained in karate, jujutsu, judo, eskrido, and kempo. I started aikido in 1999 here at Baltimore Aikido. My current interest in training is exploring the relationships between aikido weapons work and empty-hand technique, as well as maintaining practical martial application within the aikido framework.

Teaching Schedule: Sundays 9:00–10:00 a.m.

CARLTON CURRY

2nd Dan

Carlton began studying aikido in 2005 at Baltimore Aikido. In addition to learning from the senior instructors of Baltimore Aikido, Carlton was introduced to the late Kevin Choate shihan (Chicago Aikikai), whose teachings continue to influence Carlton’s exploration of aikido. In 2018, Carlton earned his nidan. His class focuses on basic techniques and randori (multiple attackers).

Teaching Schedule: Wednesdays 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Devin Rushing-Schurr

4th Dan Iaido, 1st Dan Aikido

Devin began training in aikido in 1993 and joined Baltimore Aikido in 2010, where he currently studies aikido under Chuck Weber sensei and Charlie Page sensei and Mugai-ryu iaido under Flemming Madsen sensei.

Teaching Schedule: Tuesdays 5:45–6:45 p.m. (iaido), Thursdays 5:45–6:45 p.m. (iaido)