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Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Enso Aikido Dojo - Aikido, Shorin-Ryu, and Kobudo Classes - Burnsville, Minnesota Aikido, Shorin Ryu karate, and kobudo in Burnsville, Eagan, Savage, Shakopee, Minnesota

Phillip Johnson - Head Instructor (Dojo-cho)

Phil is a 2nd degree black belt (nidan) in Aikido with the Mid America Aikido Federation and also holds a 2nd degree black belt in Seidokan Aikido. He began his studies with Dr. Guldbrandsen sensei and Bergeron sensei while attending college in Duluth, MN. Phil has been practicing since 1992 and instructed classes at Bally Total Fitness and the YMCA before staying with Ellefson Sensei (see below) in 2000.

Phil's main focus is how aikido can help people effect positive change in their lives, and regain control over what seems like like “everything happening at once”, using only the appropriate amount of effort. Phil likes to see students have a good time in class, laughing while exploring new concepts. He believes that learning does not need to stop, and always looks for challenges to pose himself and students.

Phil resides in south-central MN with wife Kirsten (also a student), two labradors, Sadie and Sammy, and two cute boys, Gabriel (in the kids' class) and Nicholas. While holding down his day job as an IT enterprise architect, he also opened Enso dojo here in Burnsville (August 2005).

Mike Ellefson - Chief Instructor

Mike is currently a 4th degree black-belt instructor who began his Aikido training in 1989. He also holds a 2nd degree black-belt in Ryukyu Kempo Karate. He has studed many martial arts and holds rank in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Shinbudo Crosstraining, and Shotokan Karate. MCFM Aikido Dojos are affiliated with the Mid-America Aikido Federation under Randy Bonifay Sensei . Mike has studied Japanese swordsmanship and his schools are affiliated with the US Federation of Batto Do.

Mike approaches Aikido from both the martial and spiritual aspects. His technique is known for being extremely effective and at the same time soft and relaxed. Mike studied Aikikai Aikido for many years before affiliating with Bill Sosa Sensei 1934-2002 (Founder of the International Aikido Association) and strives to continue the Aikido that Sosa Sensei put forth.

Mike founded the Harmonious Sphere Martial Arts Academy in Fargo, ND in 1995. He then founded the Warrior’s Cove Aikido Program in 1997 and is currently the Chief Aikido Instructor for the MCFM Aikido Bukou Dojo in Hudson, WI and the MCFM Enso Aikido Dojo in Burnsville, MN. He is an Ad-hoc Professor at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls in the Health and Human Performance Dept. instructing for credit Aikido and Self-Defense classes. Mike travels extensively teaching self-defense courses to businesses and organizations and also providing P.A.C.T. (Police Aikido Control Tactics ) training to various law enforcement groups.

Mike was promoted to the rank of yondan (4th degree black belt) by Randy Bonifay sensei on Sept 9, 2005.

Mike makes his home in North Hudson, WI with his wife Corrie, daughter Veronica, and puggle Granger.

Mary Henry - Assistant Instructor

Mary has been a student within Aikido Bukou for 7 years and is a brown belt in Aikido. Mary is an accomplished martial artist who has trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and holds a Yondan in Shorin-ryu Karate.

Adam Theis - Assistant Instructor

Adam started his training in Japan in an aikikai-style dojo under Kawasaki and Saomoto senseis, where he earned the rank of nikyu (first brown belt). Concurrently, he also acheived the rank of ikkyu (second brown belt) in shodo (calligraphy). After his return to the States, he joined our group and has been a student in Aikido Bukou for about a year, and brings with him his entertaining perspective on how to learn aikido technique. He currently lives in Shakopee with his wife Brett and two cool kids, Zoe and Max.

Matt Paulsen - Assistant Instructor

Matt has been a student within Aikido Bukou for 3 years. He has dedicated himself to Aikido which accounts for his quick rise through the ranks. His focus is his uncanny penchant for focusing on realistic application of technique while still enabling students to learn techniques very comfortably. Matt is a teacher by profession and brings wonderful communication skills to his teaching.

Tristan Chermack - Assistant Instructor

Tristan has been a dedicated student of Aikido Bukou for 3 years under Ellefson and Johnson senseis. His pleasant demeanor and helpful attitude are enhanced by his great sense of humor and interest in real aikido. While his hobbies are many and skills even more, his passion for aikido echoes in all he does, making him a valued resource for our students.

Tristan received the rank of nikkyu in July 2007 and currently assists teaching the Foundations class at Enso dojo.