Essick Sensei is Uke in this photo

Richard Essick ,Yondan, is the assistant instructor at the Seigokan Dojo. He began his training of Yoshinkai Aikido in 1975 under Sensei James in Chicago. In 1979, he began teaching small classes at several colleges in the Chicago area. In addition to his many hours of rigorous training, he still found time to maintain his busy teaching schedule. Richard is currently 4th Dan, and is President of The MYAA.

Rogers Sensei is Shite in this photo

David Rogers, 4th Dan, has been training in Yoshinkai Aikido since 1989. His first teacher was Robert Hackett, 4th Dan(RIP). Mr. Hackett passed on to a better life in 1992. David then became a student of Sensei Gilbert James. David is another assistant instructor at the Seigokan Dojo. He is responsible for teaching the beginners their basic movements as well as beginning techniques.

Southern Sensei is Nidan and Head Instructor at The Seigokan Dojo

Charles Southern,2nd Dan, began Aikido training in 1982 with Sensei Robert Hackett(RIP). Robert Hackett passed away while being president of the Midwest Yoshinkai Association. Charles then signed up for training with Sensei James. Along with his regular training at the Seigokan Dojo, Charles finds time for teaching at the Irving Park YMCA. It is at this class, that Charles has the task of training small children, youth, and adults at the same time. Charles Southern Sensei is now Head Instructor at The Seigokan Dojo.

Richard Lopez, Nidan

Richard Lopez, 2nd Dan, is the head instructor at the Agatsukan Dojo in Whiting, IN. He has an extensive martial arts repertoire, which includes training in karate, tai kwon do, and other styles of aikido. He began training in 1992 at the Seigokan Dojo with Sensei James. Along with his training at the Seigokan Dojo, he assists in the teaching of etiquette, protocol, and the dos and don'ts of Yoshinkai Aikido