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Dennis Hooker Sensei, 6th Dan Hooker Sensei is a graduate of Indiana State University with degrees in Sociology and Urban Planning and a budoka for over 35 years. He began his budo training in the mid 1960's while in the military. Dennis started his Aikido training with Phil Minton at the Terre Haute Indiana Judo School. At that time they would often drive 170 miles one way to Chicago in order to train at the Chicago Aikido Club which was under the direction of the late Isao Takahashi Sensei. The teachers and students of the Chicago Aikido Club were a profound influence upon his Aikido and life. After nearly dying of Myasthenia Gravis in the late 70's Mitsugi Saotome Shihan took over the direction of Dennis' training and began to work with him on his failing health. Instrumental in returning him to physical integrity, Hooker Sensei continues to train and teach as a principle student of Saotome Shihan (ASU). Hooker Sensei was awarded his 6th dan in Aikido by Saotome Sensei in 2000. He currently resides in Orlando, FL and is Master Instructor of the Shindai Aikikai Aikido Dojo. Dennis Hooker is also an active student of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu and holds a 4th dan from the Jikishin-kai under friend and technical director Masayuki Shimabukuro Shihan. His sword training heavily influences his Aikido and Dennis believes the two should be practiced together. The Shindai Dojo in Orlando serves as a budokan and brings together most of the arts Dennis has been active in at some point in his life. While these arts include: Aikido, Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu, Judo and Karate, Dennis only teaches Aikido and Iaijutsu. Return to Dennis Hooker Home Page Copyright
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