World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) has officiallly recognized several nanadan (7th degree black belt) instructors within our parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), as Shihan (Master Instructors). These include Tres Hofmeister (Boulder Aikikai) and Robin Cooper (Aikido of Madison), guest instructors at our 2023 Nanadan Seminar, and George Ledyard (Aikido Eastside) and Chuck Weber (Baltimore Aikido), guest instructors at our 2024 Nanadan Seminar. Congratulations to all. The complete list of those recognized may be found at the ASU website.
Robin Cooper
June 2023 Nanadan Seminar Pictures
Chicago Aikikai had a great turnout for its Nanadan seminar with instructors Tres Hofmeister (Boulder Aikikai) and Robin Cooper (Aikido of Madison) on June 9-11. Old and new friends from around the country turned up for a fun and informative weekend of training, exchange, making connections and renewing old ones.


Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward
Chicago Aikikai is proud to welcome back Tres Hofmeister (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai) for the first time since the pandemic, this time together with Robin Cooper (7th dan, Aikido of Madison), for a special two-instructor seminar. [Read more…] about Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward
ASU Nanadan (7th Dan) Seminar June 9-11
Chicago Aikikai is pleased to host Tres Hofmeister, Sensei, and Robin Cooper, Sensei, in one special co-taught event June 9-11, 2023. This seminar will be the second of four high-level instructor pairings around the country under the umbrella “Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward,” sponsored by Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU). [Read more…] about ASU Nanadan (7th Dan) Seminar June 9-11
Aikido Seminar in Appreciation of Wendy Whited
Aikidoka gathered at Inaka Dojo to celebrate the life and teachings of Wendy Whited Sensei (7th dan). [Read more…] about Aikido Seminar in Appreciation of Wendy Whited