Sara Norton - head instructor and dojo founder. Sara has been teaching Aikido for over 30 years. She studied and completed her instructor training in Paris with Masamichi Noro Sensei, a direct student of Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the 1970s. As a Quaker and a pacifist, Sara teaches Aikido as an extension of her nonviolent philosophy. In addition to teaching Aikido and Tai Chi, she is a psychotherapist and raises sheep, goats and chickens in her spare time.

Robert Lamprey – began practicing Aikido in 1994, received his hakama in 2000, and began teaching in 2004. In addition to Aikido he teaches Buddhist meditation and is a long-time student of Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging). He also enjoys Tango dancing, which he believes has a lot in common with the improvisational harmony of Aikido.

Brent Marcellus – began Aikido in 1999, received his hakama in 2001, and started teaching in 2005. Before coming to Aikido he studied Ninjitsu for 3-1/2 years and says he likes Aikido because it gives him “options other than hurting people.” In his free time he makes beautiful wooden swords.


“Aikido is how we celebrate
being alive in this world.”
Sara Norton
Dojo Founder