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 6th
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 almost thirty years of
Aikido teaching experience. In addition to teaching Aikido seminars all
over the
Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei with our teacher Mitsugi Saotome Sensei