David Halprin Sensei - Shihan
David Halprin began training in 1977 at New England Aikikai in Cambridge under Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, 8th dan. He was appointed an instructor by Kanai Sensei at New England Aikikai in 1984, and studied with Kanai Sensei until he passed away in 2004.
David founded Framingham Aikikai in 2000 and is the Chief Instructor.
He holds the rank of 7th dan, Shihan. Like all our instructors, his rank was awarded by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo.
David Raftery - Shidoin
David Raftery started training at Park Street Aikikai in New Haven, Ct, in 1980 under the direction of Yamada Sensei. He joined New England Aikikai in 1983 and trained under Kanai Sensei until 2004.
David is one of the original members of Framingham Aikikai and continues to study here, as well as serving as an instructor.
He holds the rank of 5th dan, Shidoin.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Barbara Britton Sensei - Shihan
Barbara Britton began training in 1978 at New England Aikikai in Cambridge under Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. She was appointed an instructor by Kanai Sensei in 1985. She studied with Kanai Sensei until he passed away in 2004.
She has been an instructor at Framingham Aikikai since its founding in 2000.
She holds the rank of 7th dan, Shihan.
Kathy Joynt - Shidoin
Kathy Joynt began studying under Kanai Sensei in 1981.
She is currently studying and teaching at Framingham Aikikai and is director of the Beginners Program.
Kathy holds the rank of 6th dan, Shidoin.