Scott A. Calderhead, head instructor:

Calderhead sensei began his study of the martial arts during 1976 under instructor Rex Snyder in the practice of Tae Kwan Do in Mansfield, Ohio. He won many local, regional and interstate tournaments, competing actively in Tae Kwan Do sparring circles until the early 1980’s. He also practiced Judo during this period as part of his training in Tae Kwan Do. Calderhead sensei eventually earned the rank of third degree black belt in Tae Kwan do. In 1982 he had the good fortune of meeting Merrit Stevens sensei who introduced him to Tomiki Aikido. Calderhead sensei earned his shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1985 and eventually transitioned to practicing Tomiki Aikido exclusively, earning the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) in 2002. Calderhead sensei actively competed in Tomiki Aikido earning national awards and international recognition for his explosive freestyle and traditional kata performances. Calderhead sensei has worked extensively in the field of venue and personal security since the early 1980’s. He has worked at numerous concerts and events such as the Country Music Awards and provided personal protection to notable celebrities in the music industry such as Bonnie Raitt and Naomi and Wynona Judd.

Robert R King, associate instructor:

King sensei started his martial arts training in 1968 in Judo under the instruction of Mayasuki Takahama. He also intermittently practiced Shoreikan Gojoryu karate between 1974 and 1976. In 1976 he started training in Chinese boxing under the instruction of sifu William Roe of the Kim Roe Jim Association, earning his first degree black belt in 1979. He continued his studies under sifu Roe until the late 1980s, concentrating on Tai Chi Chuan. In 1987 he began training at the Mansfield Tomiki Aikido club under Calderhead sensei, earning his shodan in 1991. King sensei continues training in Tomiki Aikido under Calderhead sensei, earning his godan in 2006. King sensei has partnered with Calderhead sensei for national award winning performances in kata competition and also has actively competed in toshu and tanto randori since 1990.