OUR DOJO
Our mission is to foster peaceful and harmonious human interaction by disseminating Aikido and similar arts such as Tai Chi and Yoga that help individuals tune in to the universal spirit. Aikido Institute Davis is a member of the Takemusu Aikido Association, which is recognized by the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. Our training curriculum leads to dan (black belt) ranks issued by Headquarters. The Association consist of about 50 schools that promote the teachings of the Founder as passed on to us by his closest disciple, Saito Morihiro Sensei, 9th dan. The association is part of a vast international network of hundreds of dojos that promote Saito Sensei's teaching. For more information, see www.takemusu.org. We are dedicated to carrying on the teachings of Saito Sensei but also welcome sincere Aikido students of all styles.
ABOUT AIKIDO
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that promotes non-violent resolution of conflict. The movements have low impact, are graceful and circular and are executed from a strong, balanced center. Aikido practice requires rigorous mental discipline and strict adherence to a code of etiquette. Besides enhancing self-defense skills, regular training increases stamina, health, mental focus and inner peace. Any one with average mobility, irrespective of sex, age and religion, can practice Aikido and derive benefits.
Aikido was founded in Japan in the early 1920s by Morihei Uyeshiba. The Founder was a famous martial artist well versed in hand-to-hand combat and weaponry who sought spiritual enlightenment through practices that tuned him into the Universal Energy. He achieved his quest and created Aikido as a non-violent way to resolve conflict and reconcile the world. His closest disciple of 23 years, Morihiro Saito Sensei, passed on his teachings for the world to benefit.
There are several different styles of Aikido, each reflecting the particular emphasis of the Founder's first generation of disciples. Accordingly there are hundreds of Aikido organizations throughout the world. Aikido World Headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan.
Aikido was founded in Japan in the early 1920s by Morihei Uyeshiba. The Founder was a famous martial artist well versed in hand-to-hand combat and weaponry who sought spiritual enlightenment through practices that tuned him into the Universal Energy. He achieved his quest and created Aikido as a non-violent way to resolve conflict and reconcile the world. His closest disciple of 23 years, Morihiro Saito Sensei, passed on his teachings for the world to benefit.
There are several different styles of Aikido, each reflecting the particular emphasis of the Founder's first generation of disciples. Accordingly there are hundreds of Aikido organizations throughout the world. Aikido World Headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan.
INSTRUCTORS:
HOWARD HOA NEWENS SHIHAN - 7th Dan
Chief Instructor, has trained and taught Aikido since 1967 and is ranked black belt 7th degree by World Headquarters. He was appointed Shihan (master instructor) in January 2020 by the Doshu. Throughout the years, he studied with Sensei Dang Thong Phong, 6th dan, Seiichi Sugano, 8th dan, and the late Morihiro Saito, 9th dan. Newens Sensei is the former head of Aikido Institute Oakland. In addition to directing Aikido Institute Davis, he currently serves on the Rank Committee of Takemusu Aikido Association a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting Aikido. He has also trained in Wu Tai Chi and Chi Kung since 1987. Newens Sensei has published two series of Aikido DVDs entitled Aikido Curriculum and Aikido Essence, as well Taichi DVDs, and three books on Aikido that reflect his five decades of experience.
Chief Instructor, has trained and taught Aikido since 1967 and is ranked black belt 7th degree by World Headquarters. He was appointed Shihan (master instructor) in January 2020 by the Doshu. Throughout the years, he studied with Sensei Dang Thong Phong, 6th dan, Seiichi Sugano, 8th dan, and the late Morihiro Saito, 9th dan. Newens Sensei is the former head of Aikido Institute Oakland. In addition to directing Aikido Institute Davis, he currently serves on the Rank Committee of Takemusu Aikido Association a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting Aikido. He has also trained in Wu Tai Chi and Chi Kung since 1987. Newens Sensei has published two series of Aikido DVDs entitled Aikido Curriculum and Aikido Essence, as well Taichi DVDs, and three books on Aikido that reflect his five decades of experience.
Rob Kamisky - 4th dan
began studying Aikido in 1998 at the Budo Educational Center in Sacramento (founded by the late Tri Thong Dang Sensei). He has trained at Aikido Institute Davis since 2004, where he received his black belt 4th degree in 2017. Rob has a master’s degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering and works in renewable energy in Sacramento. He lives in Davis with his wife Kelly and two sons. Rob is an instructor in the Aikido Adults program, and the Assistant Dojo-cho.
began studying Aikido in 1998 at the Budo Educational Center in Sacramento (founded by the late Tri Thong Dang Sensei). He has trained at Aikido Institute Davis since 2004, where he received his black belt 4th degree in 2017. Rob has a master’s degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering and works in renewable energy in Sacramento. He lives in Davis with his wife Kelly and two sons. Rob is an instructor in the Aikido Adults program, and the Assistant Dojo-cho.
Elise Bauer - 4th dan
started aikido in 1983 at Stanford University under Frank Doran Sensei, and trained extensively at Aikido West and other dojos in the Bay Area with Senseis Doran, Robert Nadeau, Bill Witt, Steve Gengo, and Jack Wada. In 1989 Elise lived in Kyoto, Japan, and joined the Kyoto University Aikido Club, where she received her shodan from Hombu dojo. After a several year break, Elise returned to aikido at the Aikido Institute of Davis where she received her sandan (3rd dan) in 2017; then yondan in May 2024. A former technology marketing executive, Elise now publishes the popular cooking website SimplyRecipes.com. Elise is an instructor in the Aikido Adults program.
started aikido in 1983 at Stanford University under Frank Doran Sensei, and trained extensively at Aikido West and other dojos in the Bay Area with Senseis Doran, Robert Nadeau, Bill Witt, Steve Gengo, and Jack Wada. In 1989 Elise lived in Kyoto, Japan, and joined the Kyoto University Aikido Club, where she received her shodan from Hombu dojo. After a several year break, Elise returned to aikido at the Aikido Institute of Davis where she received her sandan (3rd dan) in 2017; then yondan in May 2024. A former technology marketing executive, Elise now publishes the popular cooking website SimplyRecipes.com. Elise is an instructor in the Aikido Adults program.
Kathleen Holder - 4th dan
joined Aikido Institute Davis in 2006. After a long break from martial arts, she signed up for a beginner’s class with the goal of at least learning how to take a fall safely. She quickly discovered how much fun Aikido can be. She now holds the rank of black belt fourth degree (yondan). A former news reporter, she is a writer for the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. She lives in Davis with her husband and two daughters. She previously practiced and instructed classes in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. Kathleen is an the instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) Program.
joined Aikido Institute Davis in 2006. After a long break from martial arts, she signed up for a beginner’s class with the goal of at least learning how to take a fall safely. She quickly discovered how much fun Aikido can be. She now holds the rank of black belt fourth degree (yondan). A former news reporter, she is a writer for the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. She lives in Davis with her husband and two daughters. She previously practiced and instructed classes in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. Kathleen is an the instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) Program.
Donny Shiu - 4th dan
joined Aikido Institute of Davis in 2007. He enrolled in the Beginner’s Course with an interest in learning a martial art that emphasizes dynamic movement and energy redirection. Since then, he has been enjoying the journey. He currently holds the rank of fourth degree black belt (yondan). Donny’s other martial arts experience include black belts in Judo and Filipino Martial Arts – Doce Pares, first and third degree, respectively. He works as an optometrist consultant for the state. Donny is one of the instructors in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) Program. Donny is currently taking a break from instructing.
joined Aikido Institute of Davis in 2007. He enrolled in the Beginner’s Course with an interest in learning a martial art that emphasizes dynamic movement and energy redirection. Since then, he has been enjoying the journey. He currently holds the rank of fourth degree black belt (yondan). Donny’s other martial arts experience include black belts in Judo and Filipino Martial Arts – Doce Pares, first and third degree, respectively. He works as an optometrist consultant for the state. Donny is one of the instructors in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) Program. Donny is currently taking a break from instructing.
Paul Williams - 3rd dan
In 1998, Paul Williams joined Aikido of South Florida to train under Stephanie Yap Sensei and eventually teach periodically for 10 years. From 2008 to 2013, he spent several years training in Brazilian Jujitsu, yoga, and continued aikido with Dennis Watson Sensei. After graduating in 2014 with a doctorate in physical therapy, Paul moved to Orlando where he trained and taught at the Aikido Orlando Dojo. As a therapist, he used principles of aikido footwork to help those with traumatic brain injury regain stability in walking. In 2016, he moved out to California where he trains in Aikido and Tai Chi under the direct guidance of Hoa Newens Sensei at Aikido Institute Davis. Paul is an instructor in both Aikido and Taichi programs.
In 1998, Paul Williams joined Aikido of South Florida to train under Stephanie Yap Sensei and eventually teach periodically for 10 years. From 2008 to 2013, he spent several years training in Brazilian Jujitsu, yoga, and continued aikido with Dennis Watson Sensei. After graduating in 2014 with a doctorate in physical therapy, Paul moved to Orlando where he trained and taught at the Aikido Orlando Dojo. As a therapist, he used principles of aikido footwork to help those with traumatic brain injury regain stability in walking. In 2016, he moved out to California where he trains in Aikido and Tai Chi under the direct guidance of Hoa Newens Sensei at Aikido Institute Davis. Paul is an instructor in both Aikido and Taichi programs.
Guy Michelier - 3rd dan
began his Martial Arts training in Karate Shotokan style in France until he obtained his brown belt in 1973. He then moved to the United States in 1977 where he became a dual citizen in 1992.. Guy was employed by the State of California as an investigator for 28 years until he retired in 2013 and was appointed to the position of “French Honorary Consul” by the San Francisco French Consulate General and continues performing his diplomatic duties in the Sacramento and Northern California region. Guy joined the Aikido Institute of Davis in 2007 where he received his Shodan degree in 2014, Nidan degree in 2017, and Sandan in 2024. Guy’s favorite quotes from Morihei Ueshiba is “One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train”..
began his Martial Arts training in Karate Shotokan style in France until he obtained his brown belt in 1973. He then moved to the United States in 1977 where he became a dual citizen in 1992.. Guy was employed by the State of California as an investigator for 28 years until he retired in 2013 and was appointed to the position of “French Honorary Consul” by the San Francisco French Consulate General and continues performing his diplomatic duties in the Sacramento and Northern California region. Guy joined the Aikido Institute of Davis in 2007 where he received his Shodan degree in 2014, Nidan degree in 2017, and Sandan in 2024. Guy’s favorite quotes from Morihei Ueshiba is “One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train”..
Joseph Galamba - 3rd dan
Joseph has trained in Aikido since 2006 at Aikido Institute Davis and received his Sandan degree in 2024. In addition, he has trained at the Oberlin Aikikai and Indiana University Aikido club. Joseph is a professional musician.
Joseph has trained in Aikido since 2006 at Aikido Institute Davis and received his Sandan degree in 2024. In addition, he has trained at the Oberlin Aikikai and Indiana University Aikido club. Joseph is a professional musician.
Naomi Hayashi - 2nd dan
in 2013, she signed up with Newens Sensei’s beginner course to improve her health and body awareness. She has been training in Aikido consistently since then, and received Shodan in 2018, and Nidan in 2021. She also trains in Newens Sensei’s TaiChi class from 2015. She was born and raised in Japan, and is currently working for healthcare related research at UC Davis. Naomi is an instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors), and Tai Chi programs.
in 2013, she signed up with Newens Sensei’s beginner course to improve her health and body awareness. She has been training in Aikido consistently since then, and received Shodan in 2018, and Nidan in 2021. She also trains in Newens Sensei’s TaiChi class from 2015. She was born and raised in Japan, and is currently working for healthcare related research at UC Davis. Naomi is an instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors), and Tai Chi programs.
Hannah Miller - 2nd dan
joined Aikido Institute Davis in 2015. She signed up for the beginner’s course shortly after moving to Davis for graduate school in hope of finding a new community and learning to practice a martial art that emphasizes non-violent interactions. She soon became an enthusiastic student and has enjoyed practicing ever since. Hannah received her 1st degree black belt (Shodan) in 2020 and her 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) in 2024. She has a PhD in immunology and currently works on developing genetic tools for conservation of native fish species. Hannah is an instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) program.
joined Aikido Institute Davis in 2015. She signed up for the beginner’s course shortly after moving to Davis for graduate school in hope of finding a new community and learning to practice a martial art that emphasizes non-violent interactions. She soon became an enthusiastic student and has enjoyed practicing ever since. Hannah received her 1st degree black belt (Shodan) in 2020 and her 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) in 2024. She has a PhD in immunology and currently works on developing genetic tools for conservation of native fish species. Hannah is an instructor in the Aikido (Adults & Juniors) program.
