THE INSTRUCTORS

Robin Cooper and John Stone started Aikido of Madison in 1984 with the approval of Saotome Sensei, with whom they have studied since 1978.  They began their study of Aikido in 1974.  John has also studied tai chi, boxing and Cheng Hsin Tui Shou with Master Peter Ralston since 1990.  John is the co-author, with Ron Meyer, of Aikido in America.  Both John and Robin hold the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt), which they received in January, 2006 from Saotome Sensei. John and Robin lead most of the adult classes and are supported by a staff of experienced black belts. Children’s classes are led by Jeff Hempel and Brian Schwellinger..