Manogue Sensei and Aldrich Sensei are sporting the original Aikido New London County T-shirt. Handmade by Aldrich Sensei with her Cricut machine.

Paul Manogue Sensei is the Chief Instructor of Aikido of Rartian Valley Ren Sei Kan. For his formal biography, please check out the link. I have known Manogue Sensei for about twenty years, and throughout that time, he has been someone I’ve respected both professionally and personally.

Manogue Sensei brings a rare combination of deep technical experience, an authentic understanding of Japanese culture, and genuine humility. What stands out to me is not just what he knows, but how he carries it—steady, approachable, and never performing expertise for the sake of status. He’s always been willing to talk things through, share perspective, and offer guidance without ever acting like the “know-it-all in the hakama.”

His understanding comes from real experience and real respect. In a martial arts world where people sometimes confuse imitation with understanding, he consistently brings integrity and substance. As a professional aikido instructor myself, I’ve appreciated his clarity and his willingness to have honest conversations about what respectful appreciation actually looks like.

Beyond credentials, Manogue Sensei is simply a good human being. He’s been supportive, generous, and consistent over the years, including showing up for my dojo’s grand opening—something that meant a great deal to me. That kind of presence matters, and I don’t take it lightly.

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.

One of the many Philly seminar road trips with Manogue Sensei. Also featuring John Holt Sensei of Philadelphia Aikikai and Jerry Zimmerman of Aikido North Jersey.

Three years ago we opened the doors.
Since then: new friendships, hard-earned skills, and a community we’re proud of.
Join us Saturday, Aug 15 for a 3-year anniversary seminar — and we’ll keep the celebration going after. Details soon. There will be a seminar for Aikidoka in the morning and party for everyone (especially our local friends and family) in the afternoon.

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