Chief Instructor Salvatore Forestieri Shidoin(USAF)
Salvatore Forestieri Sensei currently holds rank of Sandan (3rd Dan) Aikido, achieved from the Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo Japan. Holds Shidoin Title (Certified Aikido Instructor) from the United States Aikido Federation, and is a direct student of Steven Seagal Shihan.
Salvatore Forestieri Sensei currently holds rank of Sandan(3rd Dan) Ryu Sei Ken achieved from the International Batto-do Shizan Association, Osaka Japan, and is a direct student of Mitsuhiro Saruta Sensei (Soke).
Forestieri Sensei has been involved in the martial arts since a very young age and has over 30 years experience. Training began in the early 1970s and then professionally in the early 1980s. In addition to the traditional Japanese arts, Forestieri Sensei also holds the rank of (4th Dan)yondan in Hapkido, a sister art to Aikido, in addition to training and ranking in many other martial arts.
Forestieri Sensei travels to Japan on occasion for training and has had opportunity to train with many well known Master Level Shihan. Forestieri Sensei is solely committed to training and teaching Martial Arts. Forestieri Sensei believes we must always strive for a higher level of understanding and knowledge, adhere and become the teachings.
Forestieri Sensei was first introduced to Aikido in 1972 observing a class in Chicago being conducted by Akira Tohei Shihan on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. Some ten years later I saw a private demonstration video of Steven Seagal Shihan. At that point I knew it was time for me to make a change with my training. Years later I became a direct student of Steven Seagal Shihan and he has clearly accelerated my understanding and education in Aikido. It was an honor to be accepted by Seagal Sensei especially since I was welcomed from him without going through anyone which has been uncommon for most. Steven Seagal Shihan on and off the mat is truly a Master Level Individual, and continues to inspire me. He has the ability to make you understand at your level with little effort which makes him a Master. Prior to being directly with Seagal Sensei I have studied his form for a long time through a prior student of his in America, and several other students Seagal Sensei had trained in Japan many years ago that now reside in the United States. The training and understanding I have received from Seagal Shihan in Aikido, through training experiences, his words of wisdom, and his guidance, has been a phenomenal highlight in my Martial Arts training and my life.
Forestieri Sensei was introduced to Ryu Sei Ken about a decade ago. By invitation he has competed in Japan’s International Batto-do Senior ranking competition and trained privately in Japan with Founder Mistuhiro Saruta Soke. Forestieri Sensei has acheived 3rd Dan Sandan directly from his teacher Soke Mitsuhiro Saruta Sensei.
Mitsuhiro Saruta Soke has been involved with Sword disciplines since he was a very young man. My sword training through him has been compared to none. I can best describe him with honor as modern day Samurai. Forestieri Sensei sticks to Mitsuhiro Saruta Soke’s syllabus as he teaches it in Japan. So if you are looking for authentic and traditional swordsmanship classes that offer practicality as well, please call us to schedule a visit.
Should you or your dojo be interested in hosting an Aikido and or Ryu Sei Ken Batto-do seminar, please contact Forestieri Sensei for details.
Assistant Instructor Shawn Kranig
Shawn Kranig is an Assistant Instructor and has been training in Aikido at Tenshin Shinjitsu Dojo for over 7 years. Shawn’s training includes Instructor development and holds the rank of Shodan (1st Dan )through the Aikikai. Shawn’s focus is to continue his education and help others along their path.
John Peter Fuller
Jorge Lopez
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