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, 4th 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.

Dave Hurley 6th 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.

Adam Eisenberg
Growing up on a ranch in Colorado, and not being sports-inclined, Adam always felt like he was physically very clumsy. So, in addition to its focus on kindness and finding peaceful ways to resolve conflict, he was drawn to aikido because of how graceful the movements can be. Adam began his training in 1992 at the University of Washington with Gary Barnett Sensei. In 1997, he joined Emerald City Aikido and trained with Joanne Veneziano Sensei until she retired as dojo cho in 2023. Adam is delighted to now be training at Two Cranes Aikido with Kimberly Richardson Sensei, hoping the elegance of her circular aikido movements will rub off on him. And he is thrilled to be a part of the teen program.

David Socha 3rd Dan
Began training in 1984 drawn in by Aikido’s non-competitiveness, non-violence, and movement-based mindfulness. Was off and on for some years until 2013 when he finally realized he had to do aikido as he is able to. Aikido informs all aspects of David’s life and is a key place of joy and laughter. As a teacher in the kid’s program, David’s channels his inner child works to connect with and lead the kids in playing with and deepening their practice in this magical and life-long art. Outside the dojo, David is an Associate Professor Emeritus at University of Washington Bothell and bikes, camps, cooks, reads, and spends time with family and friends.

Vanessa 2nd Dan

Richard 1st Dan

John Bryant 1st Dan
Began training at Two Cranes Aikido in 2013 after trying several other dojos. I was drawn by the sense of community that radiated from training. Kimberly Sensei was a shining leader by example of the ethos of Aiki – respect for all, open inviting blending, calm resolution. She has created a vibrant community of practitioners in the art of peace that he is honored to be a part of. He has a background in athletics as a player, coach, referee, and administrator. He has worked as an assistant and teacher in the Two Cranes kids program for several years because he enjoys contact with young people, helping their development and learning from them as people.

Dave Marzinek 1st Dan