Our Instructors

Chris Desautels, 5th Dan Head Instructor Chris has been studying martial arts since 1977 beginning with Hung Gar (kung fu) and other assorted arts. He began his study of Aikido in 1984. He founded the Maryland dojo in 1989.

Erich Heins, 3rd Dan Erich began his aikido practice at the Penn State University dojo in 1987 and has been with us since 1993

Andrew Martin, 2nd dan Andrew began his aikido practice at Columbia University back in the late 80's. He has spent several years living overseas in various African countries. While in Africa, he practiced a variety of other aikido styles as well as running his own school in Nairobi for a few years.

Darren Probst, 2nd dan Darren began his practice in Rochester, N.Y. He moved to the Washington area and begain practicing with us in 2003.

Allen Wilson , 1st dan Allen began his practice at our dojo in 2000.

Amy Lee , 1st dan Amy began her practice at Penn State University. She moved to the Washington area and begain practicing with us in 2001.

Jessica Probst , 1st dan Jessica began her practice in Rochester, N.Y. Prior to aikido, she practiced ju-jitsu. She moved to the Washington area and begain practicing with us in 2003.