Kayla Feder Shihan, 7th dan, Aikikai, is the dojo cho at Aikido of Berkeley. In 1973 at the age of 9 Kayla Shihan fell in love with Aikido and has been dedicated to growing in the art and training continuously for 50 years. For the first 20 years of her practice, she was greatly inspired by training under Morihiro Saito Shihan, who was one of the founder’s closest students. In 1980 Kayla Shihan traveled to Iwama, Japan to train with Saito Shihan as an uchi deshi (live-in apprentice). During subsequent trips to study Aikido in Japan, she trained with a number of other Shihan who were close students to the founder, among many: Kisshomaru Ueshiba (O-Sensei’s son), Seiichi Sugano, Motomichi Anno, and Kazuo Chiba. Since childhood she has also practiced with and been strongly influenced by Frank Doran Shihan, Robert Nadeau Shihan, and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan.

Kayla Shihan has taught seminars throughout the US, Europe, and Israel. In addition to her Aikido accomplishments she received a Masters degree in Holistic Health Education from JFK University in 1998. She received the rank of 7th dan in 2020.

Kayla Shihan recognizes that we all have different bodies, histories, ages and learning styles. She is dedicated to making Aikido accessible for anyone who wants to train at Aikido of Berkeley. Her teaching style supports the individual growth of each student. She has created a warm and welcoming community at Aikido of Berkeley. She also includes yoga and meditation practices as part of the training at Aikido of Berkeley. She views Aikido as a holistic art and has said: “There is no end to the growth and learning we aspire to through our Aikido practice both on and off the mat”. She continues to dedicate herself to the daily process of changing and growing within herself and her practice and teaching of Aikido.

David is a nidan (2nd degree blackbelt) who has been training since 2012, where he started at Cleveland Aikikai in order to reconnect with his body and find his center after an exhausting 5 years living overseas. Aikido provided a path and practice for deepening his roots and growing stronger in his life. His passion brought him to Aikido of Berkeley in 2016 to become an Uchi Deshi (live-in student) where he assisted in teaching the kids and teens classes. Professionally, David coaches leaders and teams to become more authentic, effective, and inclusive in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. His desire is to bring more meaning and connection to a world that seems to have lost these qualities.

In his classes, David blends technical instruction with principles such as centering, connection, and mindful presence.  He wants his students to feel appropriately powerful and resilient in the midst of the stress of adolescence so that they can contribute their unique gifts in this world that so desperately craves meaning and purpose.

Adi Elkin (2nd Dan Black Belt) began her Aikido journey in 2011 and has been teaching children since 2020. With over a decade of dedicated practice, she brings deep knowledge of the art along with a warm, approachable teaching style. Adi believes that martial arts should be discovered through experience, curiosity, and joy rather than rigid discipline.

In her classes, Adi combines clear instruction with playful games and imaginative movement, creating an environment where kids not only learn techniques but also build focus, confidence, and resilience. As both a teacher, a parent, and an illustrator, Adi brings a unique artistic eye to her teaching. She loves weaving creativity and storytelling into each class, helping kids connect with Aikido not just as a martial art, but as a joyful way to move, imagine, and grow.

Suzanne began training Aikido in 1981 with David Gamble Sensei in his kid’s classes. He suggested she attend classes with Terry Dobson Sensei, and thus began adult Aikido training.

She had the great privilege of studying with a number of amazing teachers from differing lineages. She is ranked Nidan by Louis Jumonville 6th Dan Shihan of Hikari Dojo.

As a member of Aikido of Berkeley, she is honored to assist Kayla Feder Shihan and Adi Sensei with kid’s classes. Working with children is a heart- opening experience for her.

Aikido training helps kids become better people. We do this in part by improving both their physical skills (balance, coordination, flexibility, timing, strength, and grace), and kids learn to improve their social skills (cooperativeness, intuition, and empathy.) 

Guy Sensei’s (Nidan) practice of the art of teaching is a life long practice. His passion is teaching Aikido, which he has been practicing since 2004. Learning is a process of exploration and Guy loves to help kids explore their practice of aikido. Through exploration kids learn faster, have more fun, and advance in skills more rapidly. Guided exploration in the art of Aikido helps them become more grounded, able to process their feelings, cope with frustration, and learn how to focus.  Guy teaches aikido as a way to connect to each other, and form lasting relationships which allow us to grow as people. Through Aikido we learn to grow and support each other by resolving conflicts in holistic and affirming ways. There is no better way to become your best self than being in community with others.

Melissa Stevens has degree in education. She has been teaching children in a variety of capacities since the 1980s.
She believes joy is instrumental to learning, and strives to help every child have fun while learning.