As you may know, when I was at the Aiki Retreat last month, I recorded several interviews with senior aikido teachers. Here’s the link to my first interview, with Michael Friedl Sensei.
This interview is with Danielle Smith Sensei. Smith Sensei is a 6th degree black belt and chief instructor of Aikido of Monterey. Smith Sensei is a certified Pilates instructor, 3rd black belt in Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, a 4th degree black belt in Seibukan Jujutsu and a 1st degree black belt in Iaido. To top it all off, Smith Sensei is President of the California Aikido Association, of which Aikido’Ka is a member.
Smith Sensei discusses her early years in aikido, what new aikidoists can expect to experience, aikido and conflict, aikido training with physical challenges and why she continues training and teaching.
Smith Sensei is an absolutely delightful person to train with and to know. If you ever get the chance to visit her dojo in Monterey, don’t miss it!