Teachers

Senior Instructors and Students

Rodrigo Mazzora

Rodrigo began his Aikido training in 1994 at the University of Los Andes on Bogotá Colombia under the instruction of Sensei Luis Fernando Aldana (5th Dan and head of Aikikai of Colombia).  He also participated in monthly intensive training every 2 years at the New York Aikikai. In 2001, he received his Sho-dan test accredited by Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada. In 2004, Ni-dan test accredited by Shihan Donovan Waite. He was also assistant intructor in Bogota from 2003 to 2004 and instructor from 2004 – 2005. He moved to London to pursue his professional studies and career and began training under The London Aikikai in 2005 under the instruction of Sensei Eric Beake (5th Dan). In 2009 he began his training at Aikido of London, under the instruction of Sensei Ismail Hasan and has been a Senior Instructor since 2010.

Phat Nguyen

Phat began his martial arts career in Judo in 1991 whilst studying at Portsmouth University. Phat began studying Aikido with Dee Chen 6th Dan Shihan in 2001 at Shinmeikan, West London. In 2004 he trained intensively in San Diego Aikikai under the supervision of Chiba Sensei as a full time student. He joined Aikido of London in 2008 and attained his Nidan from Ismail Hasan Sensei in Aikido in 2011.  Phat also trains in Iaido.

Sandra Turnbull

Sandra began studying Aikido with Dee Chen 6th Shihan in 1993 at Shinmeikan, West London. Sandra attended courses given by Chiba Sensei in England and the USA. Joining Aikido of London in 1994 she began Iaido training in 2004 and has attained the rank of 1st Dan in 2007 and 2nd Dan in 2011.

Sandra became a full time artist 10 years ago and after working in the music industry, managing talent including Eurythmics, Shakespeare’s Sister and Londonbeat.  A former  professional dancer. she has continued her study of the body through yoga, pilates, Aikido and Iaido .

“Through strict discipline I am learning to keep the mind fluid and loosen the confines of outer reality.”