Detlef Decker Sensei  6th Dan Aikikai
While studying with two great T’ai Chi Ch’uan Masters in New York City, Decker Sensei began his Aikido journey in 1985 at the New York Aikikai. He was fortunate to study with some of the greatest of Japanese masters, the direct students of Morihei Ueshiba or O’Sensei(Great Teacher), the Founder of Aikido. He studied under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8th Dan and Seiichi Sugano Shihan, 8th Dan, at the NY Aikikai, and others, but, it was the genius of Shihan Mitsugi Saotome Sensei, 8th Dan, who set him firmly on the path of Aikido, and opened his eyes to the true magic of AIKI.

Today, Decker Sensei is one of the senior instructors in the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and frequently travels to the United States to attend Saotome Shihan’s seminars. He currently holds the Rank of Rokudan, 6th Dan Aikikai Tokyo, awarded by Philippe Gouttard Shihan, 7th Dan Aikikai Tokyo.