Instructors

DEREK RIKIO REYNOLDS SENSEI

Currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Aikido. He started his Aikido training in 1991 after leaving the US Navy, returning home to California at Aikido of North County with Ken MacBeth Sensei. Under the guidance of Fumio Toyoda Shihan (Rokudan – 6th degree black belt) and the Aikido Association of America, Derek Sensei received his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1996. He started teaching at Aikido of North County and was promoted to Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in 1999.

In 2007, Derek Sensei moved to Anchorage, Alaska. He is currently a student of Andrew Sato Shihan (Nanadan, 7th degree black belt) and holds the certification of Shidoin (certified instructor) with his organization, the Aikido World Alliance (AWA). Derek Sensei also holds the rank of Nidan in Hojutsu Ryu, training with Roy Uttech (5th Dan) and Steve McDaniel (5th Dan) senseis in Anchorage. Additionally, Derek Sensei holds the rank of Nidan in Muso Shinden Ryu laido, Training with Masayasu Ando Sensei (7th Dan), also in Anchorage. In the spring of 2015, he and his wife (Rachelle Revnolds Sensei) opened Aikido of Alaska.

RACHELLE REYNOLDS SENSEI

Currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Aikido. Rachelle Sensi began her training while in California at Chushinkan Dojo with James Nakayama Sensei in 1990. While in college, she continued her training with Ace Atkinson Sensei at University of California, Riverside then resumed with Nakayama Sensei upon graduation. Under the guidance of Fumio Toyoda Shihan (Rokudan) and the Aikido Association of America, Rachelle Sensei received her Shodan in 1999. While training with Nayakama Sensei, she had teaching responsibilities at the dojo. Rachelle Sensei was promoted to Nidan in 2005. To broaden her experience, she also trained with Haru Matsuoka Sensei at Ikazuchi Dojo.

Additionally, she trained in laido while at Chushinkan Dojo. Rachelle Sensei taught Aikido at California State University, Fullerton in 2005-2006. In 2008, Rachelle Sensei moved to Anchorage, Alaska. She is currently a student of Andrew Sato Sensei (Nanadan) and is affiliated with the Aikido World Alliance organization. She was awarded the rank of Yondan in 2018. In the spring of 2015, she and Derek Sensei opened Aikido of Alaska.

Our Team

Classes