Dojo Instructors

Martin Katz Sensei began his Aikido training in 1974 at the San Diego Sheriffs' Aikikai under John Damian Sensei. He joined the Aikido Association of American with Shihan Fumio Toyoda in 1990. Katz Sensei has taught children and adults since 1978 employing an eternal enthusiasm combined with a theatrically innovative style. His philosophy is born out of his love of the art and his reverence of all the teachers and students that have shared the path.

Katz Sensei's Philosophy

A philosophy of education that rings true to me: to hear is to forget, to see is to remember, to do is to understand. When practicing Ukemi (taking falls), as in all aikido, one learns by doing or being done to, as some might say "when being on the receiving end of the art". The importance of ukemi — besides the obvious necessity of self preservation — is to understand the art from the inside out, or maybe the upside down. It is vital for a student to learn to follow the flow of the movement before they can lead the movement. Confidence naturally develops by being able to accept ki (energy) from the nage (thrower). A physical memory is developed and a spiritual growth happens when "the fear of falling is replaced with the joy of flying."

Please listen to this audio interview with Martin Katz recorded in 2018 by David Drexler.   http://thearchivechannel.com/audio-memoirs/