Paul Sylvain Shihan
Valley Aikido was founded by Paul Sylvain Shihan in 1985 to advance aikido in the Connecticut River Valley. It is an outgrowth of Amherst Aikikai, which Sylvain Shihan co-founded with Lorraine DiAnne Sensei in 1979 after they returned from several years of intensive practice at Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Sylvain Shihan is the first American to be granted the title of shihan, or “master teacher” and the only American to receive this honor from O-Sensei’s son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
Sylvain Shihan started practicing Aikido with Taitetsu Unno at the University of Massachusetts in 1969. He later became a student of M. Kanai Shihan who inspired him to move to Japan. There Sylvain Shihan became a special apprentice to T.K. Chiba Shihan and continued that affiliation until his death in 1996. After his death, Sylvain’s wife and senior students assumed leadership and teaching. Valley Aikido remains dedicated to continuing Sylvain’s traditional approach to Aikido and upholding the standards of excellence that he established over his 25 years of dedicated instruction.
Valley Aikido remains dedicated to continuing the traditional approach to Aikido and upholding the standards of excellence set by Sylvain Shihan. Valley Aikido believes aikido has the power to unify communities and builld bridges between cultures. To this end, we aim to connect deeply and continually with the greater world of Aikido technique, teaching and community.
“It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of the Art of Peace are brought to life.”
- O Sensei