OUR TEACHERS
Meet Our Aikido Instructors
Martial Arts Teachers in Brooklyn
Our instructors are the heart of Aikido of Park Slope. With decades of combined experience in Aikido, self-defense, and martial arts, our Brooklyn teachers guide students of all ages through a nonviolent, community-oriented practice.
Gordon began his study of martial arts in 1971, training in Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, and took up Capoeira in 1978. In 1980 he met Lehrman Sensei and began his study of Aikido. Lehrman Shihan's most senior student, he also holds advanced rank in Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do. In teaching, he is a firm believer in the "aha" principle: helping others discover for themselves how and why things work. A lifelong student and educator, Gordon earned an MBA from NYU and teaching and administrator certifications, and has worked as a public school teacher and administrator.
Wendell earned a brown belt in judo in college. In the late 1980s, while jogging in Prospect Park, he became intrigued watching practitioners of tai chi, took up the Yang short form, and was introduced to Aikido by his instructor. He feels his tai chi experience gave him insight into the underlying philosophy and mechanics of Aikido. He came to explore Aikido at the APS dojo in 1990, and that exploration continues to this day.
Rob was drawn to Aikido even before experiencing it firsthand. Inspired by a book on the subject, he resonated with Aikido's philosophy, which emphasizes self-awareness and a deeper connection to the world around us. After watching a class, Rob immediately signed up and has been practicing Aikido and embracing its principles for over 35 years. His Aikido journey began with Rick Stickles Shihan (Aikido Schools of NJ), and continued with Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan and Seiichi Sugano Shihan at NY Aikikai. For the past 25 years and counting, he has been a student of Hal Lehrman Shihan at Aikido of Park Slope. In addition to his Aikido practice, Rob is a sculptor and a psychotherapist. He has shared his passion for Aikido through public talks, incorporating live demonstrations to convey its philosophy and essence.
Clem is a writer, lecturer, educator, and former newspaper columnist. His Aikido lineage includes study with Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (NY Aikikai), Nelson Andujar Sensei (Miami Aikikai), and Luqman Hakeem Shihan and his son Tariq Hakeem of the Brooklyn Aikido Club. Having studied with Lehrman Sensei for more than sixteen years, Clem calls Aikido of Park Slope home.
After graduating with a degree in English from City College of New York, Brian worked as a teacher, actor, and handyman before settling into a career with the NYS Department of Labor. He began practicing Aikido in 1987 at NY Aikikai under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, then discovered Aikido of Park Slope was just down the block from his home and has been a student of Hal Lehrman Shihan ever since. He believes Aikido develops balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination, along with awareness, calm focus, and respect for others.
Keith is a middle school English Language Arts teacher and an attorney. An independent comic book writer working on his first novel, he brings patience and humor to the mat. He has trained Aikido for many years and teaches in the program with a focus on steady, supportive instruction.
Natalia began practicing Aikido in Russia in 1998 and traveled throughout Europe studying under many Aikido masters. In 2009 she moved to the US and began training at New York Aikikai under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. She believes children are naturally more centered and relaxed, which makes it easier for them to absorb Aikido concepts early. She has a background in child psychology and education.