Meet Our Instructors
Joshua Weiser, 5th degree black belt
Joshua Weiser Sensei has trained in martial arts for more than 45 years. He began practicing Aikido over 25 years ago and has trained with different schools and affiliations, giving him a unique understanding of the art. Weiser Sensei teaches at seminars throughout the Midwest and participates as an AAA Chicagoland Testing Committee Member.
Robert Koga, 3rd degree black belt
Robert Koga Sensei started practicing Aikido later in life. He earned his 1st-degree black belt at age 78. Koga Sensei attends regular Aikido classes and seminars throughout the year and is an inspiration to us all!
Robert Sweiss, 1st degree black belt
Robert Sweiss Sensei has practiced martial arts since childhood. He transitioned to Aikido at age 17, practicing at dojos affiliated with the Aikido Association of America. Sweiss Sensei attends regular Aikido classes and seminars throughout the year.
Claudio Rikower, 1st degree black belt
Claudio Rikower Sensei began his Aikido training in Argentina at a dojo affiliated with Yamada Shihan’s organization, receiving his first promotion in 1998. His personal journey has taken him through Argentina, Israel, Spain, and the United States, with Aikido remaining a part of that journey along the way.
After returning to Aikido in the United States, Rikower Sensei continued his practice under Joshua Weiser Sensei.
Josh Chestnut, 2nd kyu
Josh has studied martial arts since 2016. With a foundation in Tai Chi, he started practicing aikido with the Aikido Association of America in 2021.
Amanda Skittone, 2nd kyu
Amanda started studying aikido in 2023 with the Aikido Association of America. Years of teaching children’s swim lessons helped prepare her to instruct our kids’ class.
