Lynda Matsumoto 4th Dan, Youth Program Director

Began at Two Cranes Aikido in 1998. She was drawn by the way Kimberly Sensei moved with such grace and profound confidence.Her hope was that "if I could have a practice that would lead me in that direction I might feel more comfortable in my own skin".Lynda endeavors to bring aikido into all the ways she shows up in the world; blendingwith others when joining a task at work or in conflict, tryingto see the issue from the other person's perspective. Applying her aikido skills to parenting is the the most challenging and rewarding practice. As the Youth Program Director at Two Cranes Aikido Lynda is honored to support students in discovering their confidence and their ability toresolve both internal and external conflict. Lynda is a professional baker and an amatuer photographer. With her family she enjoys art, playing board games, riding bikes,and vacationing atthe beach. She feels perfectly content watching the ocean.

Sara Gerhart Snell 5th Dan, 3rd Dan in Aikibojitsu,

Began at Two Cranes Aikido in 1998 after watching her three children trainfor a month.She was inspired not only by the graceful and powerful movements of the art but also leadership skills at Two Cranes as teachers transitioned to being a student and then back to leader again. It modeled how to be a life-long learnerhonoringeach persons path along the way. Sara teaches both adult and children's classes and acts as the ProgramDirector of Two Cranes Institute. Shehasa masters degree in Music, ran a small garden design business for 10 years, and now focuses her attention on furthering the growth of Two Cranes Aikido and Two Cranes Institute.The interpersonal blending practices of Aikido serve her constantly in all areas of her life.

Nancy Maranville 3rd Dan

Began training in 2000. She started in an adult beginner’s class while her youngest child started in the kids' program. She’d heard Aikido, a non-violent martial art, was a good activity for children and Two Cranes had a terrific kids’ program. Eventually both her children trained. She thought she’d train along with them for a bit, not imagining she’d get hooked. Over twenty years later, she still sees deep beauty and a profound sense of connection in the practice. As a teacher in the kids’ program, she delights in seeing children develop confidence, and a sense of spatial awareness as they move through life.Outside the dojo, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, tide pooling, and time with family.

Dave Hurley 5th Dan

Began his study of Aikido in 1974 after readingAikido inDaily Lifeby Koichi Tohei. He was fascinated by the idea of a non-competitive martial art that didn’t relay on physical strength. He asked around and found a small dojo led by Frank Doran Sensei. After watching one class he was completely hooked -for life. Outside the dojo he applies Aikido principles tohis interactions with other people. He says “If I can be aware of someone else’s intent then I can try to align with it rather than react to it. It’s and ongoing practice, not an accomplishment.” When not at the dojo he works at the University of Washington or is bicycling, hiking or playing with his granddaughter.

Taryn Sass 3rd Dan

Began training in 1996, while she was obtaining her degree in Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz. After graduating and moving to Seattle, she joined Two Cranes Aikido and continued herquest to train and teach in a joyful manner. While stillworking and training, she later returned to school at the University of Washington to get a Masters in Engineering. As a geologist and a civil engineer, Taryn enjoys both the details and the harmonious framework of Aikido. She strives to add peace, serenity and good humor to all aspects of her life.

Robyn Andersen 2nd Dan

Began training in 2002 at Two Cranes, when her twin daughters were 2 and there was a lot of conflict in her life she wanted to resolve with skill instead of strength. Since then shehas taught mini-cranes (4-6 year olds), kids, teens, and occasional adult classes but currently is leading teen weapons classes in the park.She enjoys seeing the enthusiasm of adolescents as they find themselves and their own strengths in partnered weapons training. When not training in Aikido she works at a local Waldorfschool teaching kindergarteners. After school she sews, knits, and cooks.

Richard and Vanessa