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Dennis Hooker (6th dan, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba) is a graduate of
Indiana State University with degrees in Sociology and Urban Planning
and a budoka for over 40 years. He began his budo training in the mid
1960's while in the military. Dennis started his Aikido training while
living in Terre Haute Indiana. At that time he would often drive 170
miles one way to Chicago in order to train at the Chicago Aikido Club
which was under the direction of the late Isao Takahashi Sensei. The
teachers and students of the Chicago Aikido Club were a profound
influence upon his Aikido and life. After nearly dying of Myasthenia
Gravis in the late 70's Mitsugi Saotome Shihan took over the direction
of Dennis' training and began to work with him on his failing
health. Dennis continues to train and teach as a principle student of
Saotome Shihan (ASU). Dennis was awarded his 6th dan in Aikido by
Saotome Sensei in 2000. He currently resides in Orlando, FL and is
Master Instructor of the Shindai
Aikikai Aikido Dojo. His sword training heavily influences his
Aikido and Dennis believes the two should be practiced together. The
Shindai Dojo in Orlando serves as a budokan and brings together most
of the arts Dennis has been active in at some point in his life. While
these arts include: Aikido, Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu, Judo and Karate,
Dennis only teaches Aikido and Iaijutsu.
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