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A man smiling and holding a Daruma doll in front of his face. He is wearing a gray T-shirt with a cartoon character on it, and there are colorful drawings and a plug socket on the wall behind him.

About our guests

Levy Sensei sending one of the many selfies that express our support and connection, not only for each others dojos and the love of darumas, but a desire to create a space for more under represented groups be fostered in our community.

BRian Levy Sensei

Brian Levy Sensei is the Chief Instructor (Dojo Cho) of NOLA Aikido in New Orleans. He has practiced Aikido for over 31 years, including training in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and currently holds the rank of 5th Dan. Under his leadership, NOLA Aikido has become a vibrant center of learning and connection. His primary influences include Seishiro Endō Shihan, Jan Nevelius Shihan , and Jorma Lyly Shihan.

So, where to start with Levy Sensei? Honestly, one of the best things that came out of COVID was our friendship. We first connected when I was running a Facebook Live class, and I ended up sending him some masks to help out during the pandemic. From there, we discovered we were both full-time teachers — and that created a bond right away. Since then, we’ve been rooting for each other and supporting one another in the work of running dojos and carrying Aikido forward.

I adore him because he’s brave about collaboration. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make his dojo thrive without losing integrity or tradition. He’s inclusive, forward-thinking, and always pushing himself to improve. As a person, he’s kind-hearted and welcoming, with a love of oysters and bourbon that I share.

On the mat, Levy Sensei brings both technical depth and a refreshing lack of ego. He leaves machismo at the door and creates a space where everyone can belong, without compromising skill or seriousness of practice. He’s a teacher with a strong traditional foundation in Aikido, but he brings it forward in a way that is alive, human, and real.

Three people wearing traditional martial arts uniforms standing together on martial arts mats.

She’s cool. Definitely needs decaf.

There ain’t no party like an Aldrich Sensei Party. Chief Instructor of Aikido New London County. You can read more about her here.

Aldrich Sensei doesn’t just run a dojo … she holds space for transformation. Her Aikido is rooted in deep technical training, but the energy she brings is joyfully subversive: laughter is welcome, mistakes are honored, and every fall is a lesson in self-trust.

Behind the jokes and wild metaphors is a serious engine: a commitment to liberation. She believes Aikido is a path back to the self. A way to burn off shame, shake loose old stories, and move toward wholeness. The mat becomes a mirror, and Aldrich Sensei helps people see themselves with compassion and power.

When she’s not throwing people or planning seminars, she’s probably sipping craft beer or sake with her husband and their dog Bourbon, plotting a new way to shake up the community into remembering the magic of Aikido.

March 2025 Aldrich Sensei met not only Levy Sensei for the first time in person, but also Charles Colten Sensei.

Crystal ALdrich Sensei

Commonly Asked Anniversary Questions

Seminars are for students of all levels. Not only will you receive excellent training, but you will be connected to an amazing community full of wonderful people. Some of our best friends were made at seminars.
We are located in Waterford, Connecticut about 30 minutes from the Rhode Island border. We are equidistant from New York and Boston, about a 2-2.5 hour ride.
New London County offers a lot of different options for places to stay. Aldrich Sensei recommends the Niantic Inn, a 10-minute drive from the dojo. It has access to a lovely downtown and plenty of places to eat.
If you’d prefer to check out downtown New London, you can stay at The Holiday Inn.
Being a beach area, it also offers many AirBnb locations. If you select New London try to be close to Ocean Beach. Anywhere in Waterford and Niantic would work too. Any questions please contact us at info@aikidonlc.com
We accept cash, checks, or credit cards. We do ask that you pay ahead using the link above.
This event is open to all afflications. If you’ve got a love for Aikido and Community, you should be here.
To help with the upstart costs of the dojo, Aldrich Sensei created a founding friend patch club. Anyone who donates at our second-tier level receives a discount for life to all of our seminars. If you’ve donated in the past but would like to upgrade, please reach out. If you’d like to donate also reach out.
We understand that not all families train together, but they can travel together! The city of Mystic, a very popular vacation spot, is only 23 minutes away from the dojo. While you train, your family can enjoy shopping, museums, and the Mystic Aquarium! However, skip Mystic Pizza and go to Mystic Pizza II instead.