Josh Paul Sensei is the dojo-cho and chief instructor of AOSB. He has been practicing aikido for more than 20 years. He started AOSB with his wife Courtney Paul in 2011.

Josh Sensei teaches adult and kids classes 4 or more days per week at the dojo. Through his organization Mind Body Arts and others, he periodically teaches aikido in NYC public schools and elsewhere, bringing aikido to elementary and high school students, students with autism and other unique needs, and at-risk teenagers. As a member of the Aikido World Alliance’s (AWA) National Technical Committee, Josh Sensei also frequently teaches at national and international aikido seminars.

Josh Sensei’s love of aikido began at Jikishinkan Aikido Dojo, Brooklyn, NY, with Joseph Jarman Sensei and others. He is now a long-time direct student of Andrew Sato Shihan, nanadan (seventh-degree black belt), head instructor of the AWA. (Shihan is a title meaning “master teacher'' or “teacher of teachers.”)

Josh Sensei is a godan (fifth-degree black belt) and shihan dai (“associate shihan”). He is also a shodan (black belt) in shindo muso ryu jodo, a classical Japanese martial art of staff and sword, and a 200-hour certified yoga instructor. Off the mat, Josh Sensei is a parent, freelance writer, classical guitarist, and yoga practitioner.

Stephanie Sensei is a founding member of AOSB with 20 years of aikido experience. She is a fourth-degree black belt (yondan) and an AWA-certified instructor. Stephanie Sensei teaches adult and youth classes. Off the mat, she is an executive at the Hallmark Channel and interested in meditative practices. Find out more about Stephanie Sensei and her aikido in this interview.

Greg has been studying aikido for nearly 20 years. He is a sandan (third-degree black belt), and teaches youth and adult classes. He has also worked with IMPACT Self Defense. Off the mat, Greg is a parent, talented musician, and woodworker, and he just launched his own cabinetry and turning/carving company called Great Circles Woodworking. He built the dojo’s shomen and our weapons' rack. Find out more about Greg's aikido in this issue of our newsletter.

Filipe brings nearly a decade of aikido experience to the mat. He has studied both aikido and Godo ryu aikijujutsu, and holds the rank of shodan (black belt) in both. Filipe is a certified AWA instructor. He approaches aikido as a form of self-defense, and as a spiritual path for letting go of negative energy, and keeping an open mind. Off the mat, Filipe is a master locksmith, and security systems contractor.