Our Youth Instructors
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.