The TeamMeet the Instructors
Pablo Vázquez - Shihan
Pablo Vázquez, Shihan, Aikido practitioner for over forty years, is the founder and technical director of the Aikido Cultural Institute, part of Yugenkai International, an organization devoted to the study and development of the art of Aikido.
In recognition of his dedication to achieving a high level in Aikido, he was one of the first non-Japanese Aikido practitioners to be awarded the title of Shihan (master teacher). In a ceremony at the Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan, on November 15, 2006, he was formally presented with the Shihan certification directly from Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the founder of Aikido, and present headmaster.
Vázquez Shihan was a founding member of the United States Aikido Federation, Western Region, and Birankai, North America, both under the direction of T. K. Chiba, Shihan, 8th degree black belt. He served on the Teaching Committee of the Aikido Federation, Western Region, and Senior Council and Board of Directors of Birankai North America.
In 2009, Chiba Shihan, at the Birankai North America’s annual Summer Camp, publicly recognized Vázquez Shihan’s high level of Aikido, and directed him to create his own organization and to join it with Chiba Shihan’s organization. With this goal in mind, Vázquez Shihan created Yugenkai International. Unfortunately, Chiba Shihan passed away before this dream could be realized.
Vázquez Shihan has taught seminars throughout the US, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.
Terri Teshiba - Shihan
Teshiba Shihan currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt, and was awarded the title of Shihan by T.K. Chiba Shihan in June 2009.
She is Chief Instructor of the Aikido Cultural Institute, and has been teaching aikido for more than 25 years. She served as Chairperson of the Teachers' Council and the Examination Committee of Birankai North America from 2005 until 2009.
She has taught seminars throughout the US, Latin America and Canada.
Sara Nielsen - Shidoin
GNielsen Sensei holds the rank of 6th degree black belt, and has been certified as a teacher at the level of Shidoin. She has sat on the Examination Committee of Birankai North America.
She is currently Assistant Chief Instructor at the Aikido Cultural Institute, and has been teaching aikido for more than 20 years.
She has taught throughout the US and Latin America.
Rhonda Hutley - Shidoin
Hutley Sensei holds the rank of 6th degree black belt, and has been certified as a teacher at the level of Shidoin. She has sat on the Examination Committee of Birankai North America.
She is currently an instructor at the Aikido Cultural Institute, and has been teaching aikido for more than 15 years. She has taught throughout the US and Latin America.