I began training in 1978.  A music composer told me about Aikido and that was that.

My dojo was the New York Aikikai with Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei.  I was very much attracted to the look of the dojo.  The dojo had vigorous training with exceptionally nice and talented people.  I had the privilege to train with some of the best people in Aikido today, Steve Pimsler, Bruce Bookman, Harvey Konigsberg, Peter Bernath and Angel. 

I currently train at Aikido West with Frank Doran Sensei.  When I can, I sit with the Green Gulch group.  I am interested in meditation and tai chi. I am a Japanese woodworker, selling things from time to time.  I am working on small shrines, kamidana.  My woodworking business is called, Zen Wood. 
John@zenwood.com

My most Memorable Aikido Experience
My most memorable experience in Aikido was probably my shodan.  I tested at the New England Aikikai Summer Camp in 1982.  Yamada Sensei and Kanai Sensei officiated.

My second most memorable experience was being thrown irimi nage by Cyndy Hayashi.  We were at the San Rafael Summer Camp about 15 years ago. I was in a threesome with Bill McGouirk.  We were going at it pretty hard.  I think many people thought we were trying to hurt each other.  Quite the contrary, we were enjoying the experience.