Lineage

It is important to understand the lineage of a martial art in order to understand how the teaching has been transmitted. When O'Sensei passed away, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba became the second Doshu, the official heir and maintainer of Aikido, until his death in January 4th, 1999; the current Doshu is Kisshomaru Ueshiba's son Moriteru Ueshiba. AAA founder Fumio Toyoda Shihan was an ushi-deshi, or live-in student, under Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Andy Sato Sensei, current AAA Chief Instructor, has trained exclusively under Toyoda Shihan since 1977. Corey Guilbault Sensei began his training under Toyoda Shihan in 1992. Chett Rubenstein Sensei began his training under Toyoda Shihan in 1991 and continues today under the guidance of Corey Guilbault Sensei.