Mark Winkworth Sensei, 3rd Dan Shin Budo Kai and head instructor at Durango Shin Budo Kai. Mark began aikido in Albuquerque in 1994 under Wade Ishimoto Sensei. In 1996 when Ishimoto Sensei moved away, he helped establish a new dojo location and continued practicing under Jim Redel Sensei, receiving his Shodan in 1998. In 2000 Mark moved to Durango and in 2003 was tested and promoted to Nidan. After practicing with various local groups, he helped establish Durango Shin Budo Kai in 2003. He was promoted to Sandan in 2006 by Imaizumi Sensei.

Michael Wilkinson, 1st degree black belt, began his study of aikido with Kokikai Aikido in 1999, then began practicing Imaizumi’s aikido in 2001. He is the instructor for Durango Shin-Budo Kai’s kids’ classes. He has taught adolescents for three years, and recently added a class of seven to eleven-year-olds, which has been fun and challenging. Michael tested for his black belt in November, 2005, under Jim Redel Sensei.

Steve Self, 1st degree black belt, began his study of aikido in Mill Valley with Richard Heckler, Wendy Palmer and George Leonard in 1990. He resumed practice in Durango with Mark in 2001. He is the instructor for the DSBK Genkido class.