City Aikido: Instructors

Robert Nadeau, Shihan is a key figure in the growth and development of Aikido in America. He began his martial arts training in the 1950's, studying Judo, Karate and defensive tactics as a police officer in Redwood City, California and in the US Marine Corps. He also studied yoga and bodybuilding in the 1950's with Walt Baptiste in San Francisco. more... Events/Seminars

Nick Scoggin, 6^th degree Black Belt, began Aikido training in 1960. He spent ten years training in Japan and over the years, he has trained in Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, and other forms of martial arts. In addition, Nick has performed both armed and unarmed stage combat, and stunt choreography. Nick is a professional actor with experience in film, stage, television and commercials and has worked with many Hollywood stars. He is interested in the application of Aikido to creative endeavors and has found the practice of Aikido to enhance and bring light in all areas of expression.

Jack Wada, 6^th degree Black Belt, began aikido in 1969 while a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His first instructors were the tandem of Robert Nadeau shihan and Robert Frager sensei who at the time did lots of workshops together. In the 1970’s he spent a period in Japan, mainly at the Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu. In 1976 he was invited by Nadeau sensei to be one of the original faculty of Aikido of San Jose. And in 1980 he became chief instructor of that dojo, a role he continues to fill. Coming in as he did and considering the school he trained at in Japan, his major work is trying to fully understand the message of Ueshiba Osensei and its application to life in general. His side interest is music. He was recently put on the Honorary Board of Directors of the Chet Baker Foundation.

Richard Moon, 5^th degree Black Belt, began his career in martial arts by studying Shotokan Karate, Kenpo, and Kung Fu under various teachers. In 1971 he began his study of Aikido under Sensei Robert Nadeau. Richard is the founder and head instructor of Aikido of Marin. Founder of The Listening Institute specializing in creativity and communications, Richard is also a partner in the Quantum Edge, a consulting firm specializing in master coaching for executives and their teams. A skilled mediator and facilitator, he leads training in negotiation, sales, peak performance, team process, and communication. Richard also has in-depth experience in music, dance and various forms of Yoga.

Elaine Yoder, 5^th degree black belt, found Aikido at a sports conference in 1977. She has been training in the Bay Area for over 30 years, and has been teaching at City Aikido since the mid-1980s. Her interests in various forms of movement education include experience in dance, martial arts, and fine arts. She is a Feldenkrais® Practitioner and a Hendrickson Method® Therapist. She encourages her students to play with the immediate feedback available when working with a partner. This can bring an improved awareness of intention, the ways we live with stress or pleasure, and how to find a more spontaneous means for healthy, creative expression.

Laurin Herr, 5^th degree Black Belt, began his martial arts training in 1971 at Cornell University before moving to Japan to study aikido at Hombu Dojo in 1973. In addition to his extensive studies of Japanese art and culture, history and politics, over the years Laurin has trained in aikido under the tutelage of many masters. From the Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu, Japan to the Bond Street Dojo in New York City and more recently at City Aikido in San Francisco, Laurin provides an incredibly rich background of knowledge and experience. During his classes, Laurin seeks to convey the true essence of aikido as taught to him by the remarkable teachers he’s had the good fortune to learn from.

Ross Madden, 4^th degree Black Belt, began studying Aikido with Sensei Robert Nadeau in 1980, after previously studying northern Chinese boxing. In the ensuing years, he has trained with other recognized local and national teachers, as well as studying at the international Aikido headquarters in Tokyo, and the North American Aikikai headquarters in New York City. Ross' current, primary focus is teaching energy extension and the development of kindness and compassion, to enhance the spiritual and emotional health of the student. When not at the dojo, he tries to apply these same skills/principals to being a parent and to his work as an attorney and mediator.

Roy Johnston, 4^th degree Black Belt, has been studying aikido for over 20 years with Nadeau Sensei at City Aikido in San Francisco. Roy began his martial arts training back in the early 70’s in New Jersey with 6 years in an Okinawan style of Karate Do. His transition to Aikido, with its exploration as a budo of peace, coincided with his lifelong interest and work in personal and social transformation. Roy has degrees in psychology and a masters in consciousness studies. His other influencing interests include cosmology and spiritual ecology. As a teacher, Roy brings to the mat his unique blend of fun, guts, and magic.