Aikido of San Luis Obispo is a member of the California Aikido Association, Division 2, headed by Frank Doran Shihan, the founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido West. It is this affiliation that connects ASLO with Aikido World Headquarters.

The Chief Instructor of Aikido of San Luis Obispo is Mary Tesoro. She and Tom Elliott co-founded the dojo in 1987, with the support and guidance of Aikido of Monterey, Danielle Smith Sensei. Mary has been sole dojo cho since 1996, when Tom moved out-of-state. Aikido of San Luis Obispo continues to grow with the support of many devoted Aikidoka.

Through the CAA and the general Aikido community, Aikido of San Luis Obispo shares close ties with many diverse dojos and we are fortunate to have been influenced by many wonderful teachers. In addition to the instruction, guidance and vision received from our primary teacher Frank Doran Shihan, we acknowledge with gratitude the following “foundation shapers" (in alpha order by dojo):

Aikido of Ashland: Michael Friedl Sensei

Aikido of Monterey: Senseis Danielle Smith and Dennis Evans

Aikido of Tamalpais: Senseis George Leonard, Wendy Palmer and Richard Heckler

Boulder Aikikai: Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei

Seattle Aikikai: Bruce Bookman Sensei

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