Steven Miranda, Founder & Chief Instructor

The founder and chief instructor of Aikido Yoshinkan Sacramento is Mr. Steven Miranda. Steven began his study of Yoshinkan Aikido in 1982 under the direction of Mits Yamashita Sensei,(6th dan) of the Sanbukan Dojo in Long Beach, CA. Steven first met Yamashita Sensei at El Camino Community College in Torrance, CA. Along with his training, Steven was also the primary instructor for the Wednesday night classes at the Sanbukan. Among Steven's responsibilities was teaching the new students dojo protocol and etiquette, ukemi (falling) and the required basic techniques and kihon dosa required for their first exam. Steven also assisted with the police defense tactics course and was taught combat defense grappling by Yamashita Sensei and Sensei Johann.

Steven was promoted to shodan in 1997 and nidan in 1999 by Yamashita Sensei. At the encouragement of Yamashita Sensei, Steven invited Amos Parker Sensei, 8th dan, to continue his training in July of 2000. In 2001, Steven was promoted to sandan, yondan in 2004 and to godan in November of 2008. Examinations were administered by Parker Sensei. Like the dojo itself, all of Steven's dan ranks are registered with the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation in Tokyo Japan. Steven was also granted his Dai Ni (level 2) instructors certificate. This enables Steven to promote and register his students with the Yoshinkan honbu dojo to the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt).

Assistant and Technical Advisor

Paul Wright, Asst. Instructor

Paul began his training in Yoshinkan Aikido in January of 2004. He has been active in the dojo from the very start and has attended all clinics with Parker Sensei, including traveling to Houston, Indianapolis & Canada. In June of 2005, Paul traveled with members of the Seikeikan to Japan and took lessons from Terada Sensei, 9th dan, and Shioda Sensei, 8th dan. Paul also holds the rank of shodan in Kenpo Karate and dabbles with mixed martial arts training, focusing on ground techniques. Paul assists in teaching during the general kids class and with new adult students. Paul has also assisted with classes at the Manteca Yoshinkan dojo. Other activities include self-defense training in Oregon and Eishinryu Iaido lessons in Kawasaki, Japan.

In December of 2006, Paul tested and was advanced to shodan in Yoshinkan Aikido and Nidan in July 2008 by Miranda Sensei. Paul is registered with the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation and currently holds a Dai Roku (6th level) instructor certificate.

Amos Lee. Parker, Technical Advisor

The chief technical advisor and mentor to the Seikeikan dojo is Amos Lee Parker, 9th dan Shihan. Parker Sensei graciously accepted his first invitation to Orangevale in July of 2000 at which time he accepted Miranda Sensei as his student. Since this time, Parker Sensei has made yearly visits to the Seikeikan dojo to teach and refine the techniques being taught and practiced. In addition to his yearly visit(s), members of the Seikeikan dojo have also traveled to Canada, San Diego, Houston and Indianapolis to continue their training under the watchful eye of Parker Sensei.

AYS Logo Photo