Kevin Pickard sensei
Kevin Sensei is the co-founder and head instructor of Aikido Del Mar. He retired from the business world in 1999 to pursue his on-going dedication to Aikido.
He has studied and taught Aikido for more than 30 years and is ranked Rokudan (6th degree black belt). He has trained in Japan and throughout North America with top practitioners and is an internationally certified instructor. In 2000 he worked with Jacques Payet Sensei to create the original Mugen Juku Dojo in Los Angeles. In 2001 he started a children’s class at Huntington Beach Dojo; and, in 2008, he moved to San Diego to start Aikido Del Mar.
“The practice of Aikido will rebalance the body, mind and spirit. Anyone can benefit regardless of age, gender, size, talent, or fitness. What is different for each person is how that unification expresses itself – overall, it will increased self-discipline, focus, and a healthier mind and body. All this happens while you learn this powerful martial art called Aikido.” -Kevin Sensei
Edward Sterrett sensei
Edward Sensei is the co-founder of Aikido Del Mar. He is ranked Godan (5th degree black belt). He began his training in 1996, and studied intensively with the famed Jacques Payet sensei, from 2002 to 2005.
In the last few years, travel for academic research has limited his time at Aikido Del Mar, but affords him the opportunity to assist Payet Sensei in workshops in England, Ukraine, and Qatar. He now resides in Los Angeles, and returns to Aikido Del Mar whenever he can for training.
“The opportunity to travel and meet people from diverse cultures, united in their passion for Aikido, has been both inspiring and humbling. More than anything, I have learned that every student is a teacher and every teacher is a student. Each time I bow in thanks, I remember this.” -Edward Sensei
Josh Robinson sensei
Josh Sensei trained in other various martial arts and competitive sports before committing to Aikido. He recently returned to the United States after studying Aikido professionally in Kyoto, Japan for several years after completing the Mugenjuku Kenshusei course.
He holds his Yon Dan (4th degree black belt) in Yoshinkan Aikido and his Sam Dan (3rd degree black belt) in Hapkido. He is an Internationally certified instructor and has experience facilitating programs for students ages 3 through 85+.
Josh Sensei is a practitioner of Kaizen, a Japanese-based engineering approach of continuous improvement. This, along with his masters degree in Education and experience as a high school English teacher, supports his practice of creating individualized learning experiences for individuals and groups, both on and off the mat.
Joseph Kelly sensei
Joe Sensei started his Aikido training in 1992 in Philadelphia with Kancho Yukio Utada, Aikido Association of North America chief instructor of Doshinkan Dojo. Five years later, he trained in Aikikai style Aikido under TK Chiba sensei who was an uchi deshi (live-in student) for O Sensei, the founder of Aikido.
Joe sensei is ranked Yon Dan (4rd degree black belt) in Yoshinkan Aikido with specific expertise in self defense, ukemi, and weapons techniques. Joe Sensei leads the morning adult classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
“I started Aikido mainly for self-defense, with a minor emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the practice. My mindset changed after meeting Jaques Payet Sensei. I discovered his philosophy held the missing link in my training. Aikido has given me the skills and confidence required to handle everyday matters in ways that allow me to live life to its fullest on a daily basis.” -Joe Sensei
Lucia Evans sensei
Lucia Sensei started training with Aikido Del Mar in 2015. She chose the practice of Aikido to help her feel safe in her body and gain confidence and stability. She is passionate about bringing harmony to the world and recognizes Aikido as a powerful way to neutralize aggressive energy.
She often applies Aikido principles in her private practice as a transformational coach to help her clients learn effective methods for resolving conflict, fostering understanding, and creating authentic connections.
“Life is much more enjoyable when we can get along with each other and understand another person’s point of view. Aikido trains our minds to be accepting of one another and to feel secure to be ourselves. Aikido supports mental focus, allowing you to move with power and deliberate action while staying centered, calm, and open in the face of potential threat.” -Lucia Sensei