ABOUT WILLIAM SMYTHE SENSEI

Bill Smythe Sensei began his Aikido training in 1978 with Robert Nadeau Shihan in the San Francisco Bay Area. While living in Lake Tahoe, California in 1986 he began his studies with Wolfgang Baumgartner Sensei and has continued to embrace Wolfgang Baumgartner as his Sensei. Bill assisted Baumgartner Sensei in opening the Santa Fe Aikido Arts Center in 2004.

A strong influence in Bill's expression of Aikido is from his time studying with Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan in New York City from 1987-1991 who said: "In short, Aikido is good for your body, your mind and your heart. And it's fun."

Bill is the head instructor of the Aikido Arts Center and blends his martial arts skills with his healing arts skills, having been a Rolfing® practitioner and teacher for over 32 years and with a Masters Degree in Somatic Psychology. His greatest passion in teaching Aikido is to further the development of the whole person through learning to respond flexibly and gracefully with the pressures and conflicts of everyday life.

Smythe Sensei, 3rd Dan

ABOUT WOLFGANG BAUMGARTNER SENSEI

Wolfgang Baumgartner Sensei teaches the Founder's traditional Aikido for children and adults. He has studied Aikido under Saito Sensei for 27 years and holds a 6th degree blackbelt. He is a member of Takemusu Aikido Association (TAA), which is recognized by the Aikido World Headquarter (Aikikai Hombu) in Japan. He also serves as a board member of TAA. The Association, consisting of more than 55 schools, promotes the teachings of Saito Morihiro Sensei, 9th dan. You can find out more information by going to www.Takemusu.org.

Baumgartner Sensei works with all levels of students and his unique teaching style makes everyone feel welcome. Aikido is not a means to an end, but a continuing process of learning and personal growth.

Baumgartner Sensei, 6th Dan