The Instructors of the Children's Program

Jeff Hempel (left), sandan, began his study of Aikido in 1986 and has studied Karate for many years as well.  He is the father of three children and has been co-instructing the children's classes from the start.  He took over the role of Head Instructor of our children's program in 2004 from Mark Uttech, who now runs his own school in Marshall.  He is also an instructor in East Side Karate, which practices in our dojo three times a week.   

Brian Schwellinger (right), sandan, has been an instructor in the Children's Program since 1995 and, along with Barb Brown, started the basic adult morning classes in 1998.

Assistant Instructors

Ross Yahnke (left), shodan, and Karen Anderson (right), shodan, assist regularly in the Children's program.  Ross helps out in the adult classes as well.