In April of 1998 I opened Aikido Mt. Airy. It was a scary time for me as I had no idea if I could gather enough students to pay the rent, or for the equipment needed to start up a new dojo. Twelve years later I know that it was the right thing for me to do. Hundreds of wonderful people have passed through our doors, and nine of them reached the black belt level. I believe each and every one of them is a strong representative of Kinokawa Aikido, and the teachings of Hanshi Wirth. Each of them is strong enough to run their own dojo, under Hanshi Wirth, if they should choose to do so.
My time, however, has passed. With life's changes the senior students have moved on, and can no longer assist me on a regular basis. There are too few junior students left to sustain the financial burdens of running a dojo, and so it is time to close the doors of Aikido Mt. Airy.
I apologize to the junior students who have started on the path of aikido. You will be missing out on the opportunity to train with some of the best martial artists in the world. My hope is that someday one or more of my black belts will take up the mantel and open a dojo of their own in the area.
Congratulations to Sempai Cara Michele who will be opening Kinokawa of Towson in the very near future. If Towson is within driving range for any of you I encourage you to continue your training with her. She has my complete support and I will be there from time to time to share some of the wisdom I have accumulated over the years.Thank you to all of you for allowing me the opportunity to be your Sensei, and to Hanshi Wirth and all that came before me who helped me to reach a level of understanding worthy of being a Sensei. You have my eternal gratitude.
It is with a heavy heart that I say Goodbye.
