- Foster the personal growth of our students and staff, leading to a fuller enjoyment of life through Aikido training.
- Maintain the highest level of personal integrity both within and outside the dojo.
- Continually learn, improve and grow as a dojo and as individuals.
- Share the positive impact of Aikido training with all individuals who sincerely wish to work, learn and contribute to this effort.
Shuji Maruyama
Maruyama Sensei studied as a young man at the dojo of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. He trained as one of the esteemed uchi deshi, or “resident students,” and dedicated his life to the mastery and teaching of Aikido. Maruyama Sensei came to the United States in 1968 and opened his first U.S. dojo in Center City Philadelphia. After he returned to Japan he turned the dojo over to Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei who continues to run it as Philadelphia Aikido at its current location in Wynnefield Heights. If you would like to know more on Maruyama Sensei, click here.
Chrungchai Leodhuwaphan
Lex, 2nd Degree black belt, began Aikido practice with Ricciotti Sensei in June 2002. He has been teaching since his black belt promotion in 2006 and devotes his energy to his personal excellence as well as the success of the dojo.
Ronald Darrisaw
Darrisaw Sensei, 4th degree black belt, began his martial arts training in 1974 studying karate, earning a black belt. After seven years Ron said "I began to have mixed feelings about the art and wondered if there was something more to martial arts other than kicking and punching" I learned about Aikido and began to investigate this art. I knew immediately after witnessing a demonstration in Aikido that this was what I'd been looking for." Ron has been training in Aikido in 1984 and has been a student under Ricciotti Sensei since 1992. He has said that through training he hopes to reach a "higher level" of understanding.
Kelsie Benner
Benner Sensei has been studying martial arts since 1992. At age 17, he joined the Penn State T’ai chi club, where he learned T’ai chi, Ba Gua, Xingyi and Chi Gung meditation.. He started studying Aikido with Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei a year later in 1993, becoming a member of both Aikido Kokikai of Germantown and Aikido Kokikai of Penn State(1993-1996). He currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in Aikido Kokikai, and continues to teach and practice T’ai chi, Chi Gung and Aikido at the Dojo
Adrienne Lindstrom
Adrienne Lindstrom, a 1st degree black belt, began practicing aikido in 2003 and started teaching in 2007. As a teacher and student, Adrienne continues to explore aikido as a self-defense strategy and also as an opportunity for balance and healthy living. Off the mat, Adrienne teaches 2nd grade in a Spanish immersion classroom.
Anthony Bruno
Anthony Bruno, 4th dan, has been studying aikido for 21 years. "I will always consider myself a student," he says, "because there are so many facets to aikido, like a skyscraper with innumerable rooms, each one worth exploring." Besides teaching aikido’s martial applications, he seeks ways in which aikido can be useful in daily life. "Aikido can inform every aspect of a person’s life. It can guide you through difficulties and enhance every experience."
Bruno is a full-time professional author who has written over 25 published books, both fiction and non-fiction. His specialty is crime, and he is also a regular contributor to Court TV’s CrimeLibrary.com. He considers his aikido training a valuable asset in his work, particularly when interviewing criminals. "It takes a great deal of calm, relaxation, focus, and centering when trying to get information out of a person who has made his living through lying, cheating, stealing, and in some cases, killing. I try to give my students the aikido 'tools' that will help them with similar challenging situations."