International Seminar with Mike Flynn Shihan
March 22-24, 2024
Space is limited. Please register early to save your spot! On your registration, please indicate whether you would like to attend the Sunday Iaido session (open to current Iaido students only), and let us know if you need help with housing or transportation. We’ll do our best to accommodate those traveling from out of town. Limited scholarships are available – contact us to apply.
Schedule*
- Friday
- 6-8 pm Aikido
- Saturday
- 10:15 am -12:30 pm Aikido
- 2:30 – 5 pm Aikido
- 6:30 pm Potluck Celebration
- Sunday
- 9-10:30 Iaido (current Iaido students only)
- 10:45-11:45 Aikido
Cost
Full weekend: $160
Saturday only: $100
Friday or Sunday only: $60
*Aikido Classes include both body arts and weapons. Please bring weapons
Instructor Biography
Flynn Shihan began his study of Aikido in 1982 at San Diego Aikikai under the direction of Shihan TK Chiba. In 1985, Flynn travelled to Japan, where he studied Aikido at Hombu Dojo and Muso Shinden Ryu Iai-do with Mitsuzuka Takeshi Sensei. He returned from Japan in 1987 and served as the Chief Kenshusei at Berkeley Aikikai until December 1990, at which time he was promoted to Yondan and named Shidoin.
Flynn Sensei established Alameda Aikikai in January 1991 which eventually grew to become a major Birankai anchor in Northern California. He served as a member of the Teaching Committee, USAF Western Region, Chairman of the Sub-teaching committee, and member of the Iai Batto-Ho teaching committee until relocating to Scotland in June of 2005, where he established Thistle Aikikai. He has served as the Chairman of the British Birankai.
He has also served as the Technical Director of both Hellenic Birankai and Birankai Portugal. He was named Shihan in June of 2005 and was awarded 7th Dan by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru in 2018 during the Kagami Baraki celebration at Hombu Dojo.
He has also received Iaido Shihan title from Mitsuzuka Sensei. He is married to Julie, and the proud father of 3 children, Mitsu, Michael, and Nicole.
