Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)

Our parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), just announced the names of senior ASU instructors who have been appointed Shihan (師範) or “Master Instructor,” including our own chief instructor, Marsha Turner Sensei. The appointments were done by the Examination Committee for the Appointment of Shihan at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all those who have been recognized for their years of dedication, self-development and teaching in the art of aikido.

You can also learn more about Marsha Turner Sensei from her instructor profile video on our YouTube channel, and this interview that appeared on the website Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

2026 Shihan Appointments

We are pleased to announce that the following ASU members have been appointed Shihan by the Examination Committee for the Appointment of Shihan at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Congratulations to all!

Jim Alvarez, Aikido of Livermore
Lee Crawford, Bond Street Dojo
Robert Deppe, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Eugene Lee, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Chetan Prakash, Redlands Aikikai
Gary Small, Aikido of Maine
Marsha Turner, Chicago Aikikai

This honor reflects their deep experience, technical mastery, and long-standing dedication to the transmission of Aikido and its values through their leadership, engagement, and support of ASU.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Saotome Sensei, whose vision and lifelong commitment to Aikido continue to guide and inspire our community. We also offer our sincere thanks to Doshu and the Aikikai Foundation for this recognition.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders in our community.

What is a Shihan?

Shihan (師範) is a Japanese term indicating a”master instructor” or “teacher of teachers,” used primarily in martial arts for highly skilled, senior instructors. Those awarded usually hold a rank of 5th to 7th degree black belt or higher, and it represents a formal title recognized by a Japanese headquarters or association, rather than just a rank.

Etymology

shi (師 – model/example) and han (範 – master/exemplar). Hence, shihan means an exemplar or model.

Proper Use

Shihan is not used as a name extension or form of address like –san or –sensei. Address a Shihan as “Sensei” or “[Name]-sensei” in regular dojo conversation. However, do use it when referring to them in a formal introduction or announcement (especially written).