Kimberly Richardson
MA / LMT 7th Dan • Chief Instructor // Two Cranes Institute
Kimberly began her Aikido training at Naropa Institute in 1978 and shortly after moved to Seattle to train with Mary Heiny Sensei. Determined athleticism, psychotherapy practices and energy awareness skills are key elements of her spirited teaching.
Kimberly has studied throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan, most notably with Anno Shihan, Saotome and Ikeda Shihan, and Dobson and Read Senseis. She acted as chief instructor for The Apple Computer Aikido School in Cupertino, CA in 1989 and at Seattle School of Aikido from 1991 to 1995. As an adjunct faculty member at Antioch University for 10 years, she taught "Aikido as Martial Art and Spiritual Practice." In the fall of 1995, Kimberly founded Two Cranes Aikido, where she teaches the philosophy and practice of Aikido to people of all ages.
Richardson Sensei's teaching style supports the individual growth of each student. In addition to teaching Aikido, she practices tai ji and ballroom dancing, and includes elements of these art forms in her curriculum at the dojo. Kimberly is a consultant and trainer, offering workshops in conflict resolution, effective management styles and self-defense to corporations and to educational groups. In 2008, Kimberly organized the nonprofit foundation Two Cranes Institute. Her goal is to advance the common good by integrating O’Sensei's practices of compassion and applied nonviolence into the larger Seattle community of children, teens and adults.