Picture of Detroit skyline

Detroit Skyline

picture of Several Senseis with Sensei Parker

Sensei Parker and students at Teddy_Lilly 2007

picture of ambassador bridge

Ambassador Bridge


Detroit Yoshinkan Aikido

Shugyokan Dojo

Instructors:

Sensei Larry Castleberry - Yon Dan

Larry began his aikido training in 1988 at the University of Detroit under Herman Hurst Sensei. In 1996 during a clinic in Chicago hosted by Gilbert James Sensei (RIP) Larry had the immense pleasure of being introduced to Amos Parker Sensei (9th Dan). The rest as they say is history. Larry received both his ni-dan and san-dan from Parker Sensei and is a certified/registered Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation instructor. He is a survivor of the "good old crazy days" in which students were required to to perform 300 zenpo kaiten (forward rolls) without a break during class....only to have the subsequent class having students perform continuous throws (and being thrown) for an hour +. As he likes to say, "we were young, energetic, and to proud to give up!!" Now, an older, rounder, and gentler Larry concentrates on teaching students the basics of aikido WITHOUT the cardiac stress.

Sensei Kevin Fowler - Yon Dan

Kevin began his Aikido training in 1984 under Herman Hurst Sensei at the old Dexter and Davison location in Detroit. He is a graduate of the Kenshu (intensive training) course taught by Kushida Sensei. During his 20+ years of training Kevin has also survived the "good old crazy days". Kevin received his Yon-dan from Parker Sensei and is also a certified/registered Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation Instructor.

Sensei Fred "House" Bowens - Sho Dan

Fred began his Aikido training in 1990 under Herman Hurst Sensei initially at the police academy. Fred received his sho-dan in 1997. Because of his exceptional strength he is affectionately nick-named "House". The standing joke among the dojo was "you haven't learned a technique until you can get it to work on Fred". Since it's virtually impossible to "out muscle" him you are forced to learn how to do the technique correctly. Fred also holds a 1st degree black-belt in Kendo.

Yvette Khari - 1st Kyu

Yvette began her Aikido training in 1997 and is the personification of hard work and determination. Despite several physical set-backs that have interrupted her training Yvette was determined to continue her training. She is now preparing for her sho-dan which she plans to take in 09. Yvette has recently begun teaching a women's self defense course. She is affectionately called the "party cho" for her organizational skills. She loves to provide a 'women's' viewpoint when it comes to training.