Chief Instructor - Andrew M. Sato, Rokudan Aikikai, a full time Aikido instructor and the former Chief Instructor for the Aikido Association of America & Aikido Association International and Tenshinkan dojo, headquarter dojo for the AAA. Andrew Sato began his Aikido training in 1977 under Toyoda Shihan, first as a member of the Ki Aikido Society, then as member of the AAA & AAI. During his tenure as Chief Instructor for the AAA& AAI he traveled extensively throughout Europe and the USA passing on the methodology teachings of Toyoda Shihan's Aikido. In 2005, his relationship with the AAA/AAI was terminated. To further develop his own understanding of Aikido and to support others who have asked him to continue teaching, Sato sensei & a small group of dedicated dojo have organized to start the AWA.