stephen sensei, 6th dan, shihan

Aikido Hiryukan is privileged to have Stephen Ohlman Sensei as the Head Teacher of the Barrie, Ontario dojo. Aikido Hiryukan members regard Stephen Sensei like an undiscovered, untapped resource. Though highly renowned for his knowledge and ability in Japan, Stephen Sensei’s calm, unassuming demeanour, like a deep running river, has all but hidden the tremendous force of his technical and teaching skill from the international community’s view.

Stephen Sensei is the leading international authority on Aikido as taught by Yoshinkan Aikido’s Technical Director, Tsuneo Ando Sensei. Stephen Sensei is a 6th degree black belt Aikido Master and has also obtained ranks in Karate and Judo in his over 30-year’s as a martial artist.

stephen sensei’s career highlights

Stephen Sensei spent six years studying in Japan; one enrolled in the 11-month International Instructor Course held concurrently with the Tokyo Riot Police Training course at the Yoshinkan Headquarters 1995-1996.

For five years he studied as an Uchi Deshi, apprentice under Tsuneo Ando Sensei. His exceptional experience coupled with his unwavering search for perfection in his technique make him a leading force in the Aikido world – a teacher of the highest calibre from whom everyone can benefit.

In Japan, he held a unique position as Head Teacher at Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu - Maihama Branch from 1997-2001. Given rights reserved exclusively to Japanese teachers, he not only taught but also promoted students in Japan, sitting on the two-person black belt grading committee alongside Ando Sensei.

Stephen Sensei has supported Ando Sensei as an Assistant Instructor, Demonstration Partner and Interpreter on numerous international tours: Toronto & Windsor, Ontario in 1998; Munich, Germany in 1998; Los Angeles, California in 1999; Georgetown, Ontario in 2002, Barrie, Ontario 2005, 2009, Toronto, Ontario 2010.

Stephen Sensei was promoted to the rank of 6th dan and obtained the title of Shihan, Master in June 2009.