I found out about Aikido after watching Steven Segal’s first movie.  I couldn’t just say it was only another movie.  I found I couldn’t stop thinking about the fluidity of his movements and the power of how he could move people effortlessly.  I worked on the possibility of fitting this art into my life to gain the knowledge of Aikido by doing a lot of training.
My first start in some aspects of Aikido was when I actually had interest in Martial Arts at a younger age, taking classes in Judo and Karate.  It seemed necessary at the time as there were bullies and I felt like I would like to know how to defend myself in school.  I ended up dropping out of my training as my skill level didn’t develop as fast as the fights arose.
My first teacher in Aikido was Kayla Feder Sensei.  As I sought out an Aikido teacher, I was extremely fortunate and blessed to have met and trained under Kayla Sensei.  At that time she was teaching in Benicia at a small Dojo with 20 to 30 students.  She had the complete grasp of Aikido based on the conception I came to know from Steven Segal Sensei.  I practiced with her for 2 ½ years.  She taught me Ukemi skills along with her extensive knowledge of Aikido, stretching, and breathing. I always left the mat exhausted but exhilarated at the same time.  She always pushed me and the other students past our abilities, but never into pain.  Her focus was totally based on the movement of our bodies by getting them to move.
Since 1994, I have been practicing at East Bay Aikido under Tom Gambell Sensei.  Gambell Sensei has continually provided a beautiful community to train in.  Sensei Gambell has, on many occasions, supported and guided me in starting the Dojo in Vacaville and at Travis AFB.  Without his support, along with the students I train with, my efforts would be much harder to attain.  He has taught me to be compassionate and appropriate with all students regardless of their physical or mental limitations.  He also develops students spiritual aspects making them useful to each other and humanity.  His depth of understanding in Aikido provides everyone in his Dojo with an opportunity to personally grow beyond their perceived limits.
Aikido of Solano was founded in 1996.  As Dojo Cho, I opened the Dojo in Vacaville under Tom Gambell Sensei.  We are now located at the gymnasium at  Travis AFB which began in 2003 under Tom Gambell Sensei.  We have approximately 12 adult students and 6 to 8 children.

My most Memorable Aikido Experience
My most memorable Aikido experience was in 1993 when my wife and I took our vacation to Hawaii.  When I am on vacation, I always like to visit the local dojos.  I was fortunate on this trip to get to practice at Aikido of Honolulu with Aoyagi Sensei for approximately one week.  At the conclusion of the week Aoyagi Sensei asked if I was going to attend a seminar, featuring a rare visit from Tamaru Sensei from France (head of the FFAB).  I accepted the invitation not knowing the real understanding of how important Tamura Sensei (student of O-Sensei) really is.  (I was a fourth Kyu at this time.)
As the class began on Saturday morning, I was really surprised to see all the Aikidoka that attended, wondering if there would be enough room for so many students.  As class began, Sensei Tamura did not speak any English, only Japanese or French.  I was amazed at the time we spent stretching.  I should have paid more attention to his instructions on stretching as my shoulder later knotted up.  Throughout the remaining class, I kept pulling on my shoulder trying to work the knot out.  As I practiced with my partner, I inadvertently bumped into what I thought was another student.  In fact, it was actually Tamura Sensei.  I thought he was going to instruct me on something being wrong with my technique, but in fact Tamura Sensei was concerned about my shoulder.  He massaged it and actually took me toward the edge of the mat.  In French he told one of his students to continue massaging my shoulder.  The student did so and in about ten to fifteen minutes I found myself back on the mat to practice without any more pain.  Later, Sensei found me once again and asked me in French if my shoulder was okay.  I understood without being able to speak the language.  Shortly after, Sensei demonstrated Tsuki Kote Gaeshi and asked me to punch.  I felt like this was impossible but did so and he threw me down sending me to the mat.  He then punched at me and took Ukemi as though we had been practicing together for a long time.  Tamura Sensei was taking Ukemi from all colors of belts and I know everyone involved will always remember this training day as I still do.