Our Instructors

Richmond, VA Dojo

McClure Sensei, Chief Instructor and Dojo Cho

McClure Sensei, currently ranked Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt), is the Chief Instructor at our Richmond dojo. He first began his study of aikido in 1994, where he was first introduced to Suenaka Aikido. In 2004, he received permission from Roy Y. Suenaka Sensei to establish a Suenaka Style Aikido school in Richmond, Virginia. The dojo has been opened since July 1, 2004. Although McClure Sensei has a diverse background in other martial disciplines with instructor level ranking, his true passion and enthusiasm is his continuing study of aikido under the guidance of Suenaka Sensei and teaching the Art of Suenaka Aikido.

Synergistic Instruction and Training

Although the dojos are independent from the other, we join together for seminars, testing, and other activities throughout the year. Students practice freely at either location while the joint focus of these Chief Instructors is their personal commitment and dedication to their students' personal growth and development. Their respective training and teaching approach is not mutually exclusive of the other. It is a naturally occurring synergistic relationship which fosters a nurturing atmosphere wherein they jointly support and encourage the very best from their students and instructors; while concentrating on the physical, spiritual, and philosophical aspects of study.

Aside from being like-minded in their teaching approach, the ongoing success of their aikido programs in the Central Virginia area can also be directly attributed to the understanding and value of friendship that McClure Sensei and Shihan Legions share outside of the dojo. These two instructors have been steadfast friends for more than 15-years.