Eugene Lee:
Eugene Lee began his aikido study in 1988 and holds a fifth degree black belt. In addition to teaching and training regularly at ASD, he serves as the head instructor for the Federal Triangle Aikido club in downtown D.C. Eugene works for the EPA's Office of Emergency Management and is also an avid mountaineer, trekker and cyclist. Eugene is currently serving on the ASD Board as President.
Thurston Carleton:
Thurston Carleton has studied aikido since 1977 and holds a sixth degree black belt and is one of the most senior members of the dojo. He trains and teaches at the ASD, including the recently initiated seniors' class. He worked as a mathematician for NASA for many years and is currently pursuing studies at George Washington University. He currently serves as Corporate Secretary for ASD.
Robert Deppe:
Robert Deppe began his aikido study in 1984 and holds a fifth degree black belt. Robert spent his first 10 years training Tomiki Aikido, and then joined ASD to train with Saotome Sensei. In addition to teaching and training regularly at ASD, he can be found doing software development in the DC/Baltimore area or with his family.
Kamenna Lee:
Kamenna Lee started aikido at a University club in 1989. In 1993, she joined Aikido Shobukan Dojo in Washington, D.C., and has been studying under Saotome Sensei since then. She holds a fourth degree black belt. Kamenna works in blood donor recruitment for the American Red Cross, following a career in strategy and management consulting. Kamenna shares her passion for Aikido with a passion for the great outdoors. She currently serves as Corporate Secretary of the Board of Directors.
John Taylor:
John Taylor began his aikido training at the Aikido Shobukan Dojo in 1991 and holds a third degree black belt. Prior to training in aikido, he trained in karate and judo. In addition to training in aikido, John oversees an office of federal regulatory and law enforcement officials and spends time with his family. John has served on the Aikido Shobukan Dojo Board since September 1999. From the fall of 1999 thru June 2004 he served as President of the dojo.
Nick Kiritz:
Nick Kiritz began his aikido study in 1982 at Oberlin Colledge and holds a fifth degree black belt. In addition to teaching and training regularly at ASD, he serves as the head instructor for the Georgetown University Aikikai. Nick works as an economist in Baltimore and also studies yoga and zen. Nick is currently serving on the ASD Board as Treasurer and CFO.
Idris Diaz:
Idris Diaz began his aikido study in 1993 and holds a second-degree black belt. Prior to starting aikido, Idris studied karate and jujitsu. A lawyer by training, Idris works as Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development. In addition to studying aikido, Idris is an avid yoga practitioner.