Aimen Al-Refai
Aimen Al-Refai Sensei ⋙ Godan (5th degree black belt)
Began training in Aikido in 1988
Aimen Al-Refai was introduced to Aikido in 1988, in Missouri. He then spent five years at Musubi Dojo in southern California, studying intensively under Susan Perry and Ron Rubin Senseis. Since 1994, Aimen has trained at Aikido of Santa Cruz, under Linda Holiday and Glen Kimoto Senseis, and has been inspired as well by the instruction of others, including Motomichi Anno Sensei (8th dan) and Mary Heiny Sensei (7th dan).
Since 1995, Aimen has been the chief instructor of our Aikido for Teens program, inspiring many young people to dedicate themselves to the practice of Aikido.
He has an engaging, humorous style of teaching, complemented by his serious focus and a wonderful presence, which draws people in and leads them along the path of Aikido.