Instructors
New School Aikido began in 1987, partly to spread Aikido’s message of non-violence and partly as a way to continue to integrate Aikido into the flow of modern life. To date over three thousand people have successfully completed New School Aikido's basic training. Sensei John Smartt has revolutionized Aikido training methods and conceptual patterning both technically and metaphorically. These changes bring each participant directly to Aikido’s central theme of Universal Unity. John credits his philosophical reevaluation of Aikido technique and teachings with helping him to close key holes in popular Aikido. John’s approach reveals just how overwhelmingly accurate Osensei’s teachings are to a realization of Aikido’s core theme —love
“First revealed in the 1920’s, Aikido remains the only expression of love through martial arts. Aikido goes beyond attack and defense—showing us a way of being and doing that adds insight and depth to the best in all spiritual traditions.” -John Smartt
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New School Aikido Founder John Smartt spent seven years in Japan studying Aikido, Zen, and Katsugen Undo (1968-1975). Awarded a teacher's certification by Sensei Michio Hikitsuchi, Aikido Master and close personal disciple of Aikido’s Founder, Osensei Morihei Ueshiba. John is a graduate of School for Enlightenment and Healing (1997), and holds black belts in three different Aikido systems. Smartt Sensei is currently teaching classes in Pt. Richmond and the surrounding areas. |
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Chief Instructor, Owner New School Aikido Stockton, Sensei Dan Matlock began Aikido in 1983 and apprenticed to John Smartt in 1986. His accolades include a 7th degree New School Aikido black belt, an Honorary first degree black belt in Kumano Juku Aikido, Master Instructor Certification and Master Reiki Certification. He created a state certified patient restraint course for Emergency Medical Services. He developed and directed "ONE. Aikido" for San Joaquin County Office of Education and Mary Graham children's shelter. He currently resides as Chief Instructor and owner of New School Aikido Stockton. |
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Director of the Youth Program, Sensei Julian Girouard
Julian Girouard is a certified New School Aikido Black Belt Instructor level 3. He currently holds a third degree black belt in Aikido. He has been training for 9 years and teaching for 6 years. He co-taught at the San Joaquin County Office of Education “One. Aikido” program with Sensei Matlock. Sensei Girouard currently resides as Director of the Youth Program at New School Aikido Stockton.
Basic Adult Instructor / Office Manager Sensei Michael Allen
Michael Allen began training in Aikido in 2004 at the New School Aikido dojo in Stockton, California.
With a push from his girlfriend, who was afraid her boyfriend was becoming a couch potato, he enthusiastically jumped in with both feet, training under NSA founder John Smartt and senior instructor Dan Matlock. During a life-changing trip to Japan in 2006, Michael realized that the spirit and techniques of Aikido were important to the world and needed to be passed down to further generations. Noting his enthusiasm, Sensei Matlock graciously offered him a teaching apprenticeship and Michael began learning the ropes at both the Stockton dojo and the San Joaquin County public school system. In 2007, Michael attained the rank of black belt and continues his training to improve both his teaching and Aikido skills.
