George Ledyard Sensei began his Aikido studies in 1976 under the direct instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei and has continued this association ever since. Ledyard Sensei currently holds the rank of 6^th Dan in Aikido. He counts Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei, William Gleason Sensei, Mary Heiny Sensei and Tom Read Sensei as strong influences on his Aikido.

He is the Founder of Defensive Tactics Options, a system of police and security training which specializes in less-than-lethal force alternatives and Options for Protective Control, an ultra low-level force system for physical intervention with juveniles and emotionally disturbed subjects. Sensei Ledyard believes that Aikido should be both a spiritual practice and a martial art. He is known for his work with the staff and sword and also for an innovative approach to applied empty-hand technique which brings in elements from his training in Japanese Koryu, Iaido, Filipino martial arts and Systema.

 He has over thirty years of Aikido teaching experience. In addition to teaching Aikido seminars all over the United States and Canada, Ledyard Sensei has been invited to participate in the first three historic Aiki Expos and is a regular contributor to both AikidoJournal.com and Aikiweb.com.

Aikido Videos and Video Manuals by George Ledyard