Cross Shihan is our lead instructor at Villa Rica Aikido. He started his martial arts journey in 1979. Cross Shihan started Aikido journey in 1991 and is a 7th Dan (degree) in Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido. In addition to Aikido, Cross Shihan also holds a 6th degree in Tae Kwon Do. Cross Shihan is a member of Wadokai and the American International Ki Development and Philosophical Society, founded by Roy Y. Suenaka Soke. He is certified and authorized by Roy Suenaka to teach Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido.

Shihan Underwood began his study of martial arts in 1986 with the art of karate. After watching an aikido demonstration, he began his study of aikido in 1990. With over 20 years experience in Aikido, Shihan Underwood likes to emphasize the principles upon which Aikido was founded and developed. He is a member of Wadokai and the American International Ki Development and Philosophical Society. He is certified and authorized by Roy Suenaka to teach Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido. He enjoys participating in classes and helping others progress in their study of Aikido.

Longino Sensei started her martial arts journey at 5 years old. Longino Sensei began her Aikido journey in 2002. Having grown up in the martial arts, she began taking Tae Kwon Do from about the time she could walk. At the age of 11, Longino Sensei took her first Aikido class at Gasshuku 2002 and has never looked back.

The 2012 Gasshuku (summer camp) marked the culmination of half a life's journey towards her Shodan test. Longino Sensei is a member of Wadokai and the American International Ki Development and Philosophical Society, founded by Roy Y. Suenaka Soke. She is certified and authorized to teach Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku-Ho Aikido

Cobb Sensei started on his aikido path in 2012 and has sought to continually grow in the art. Sensei Cobb believes that Aikido is a martial art for individuals of all stature and abilities; we can all grow through dedicated self development and reflection. Through his hard work, dedication, and the tutelage of the instructors at Villa Rica Aikido, and the broader Wadokai organization, Cobb Sensei earned his dan rank by testing under the attentive eyes of Roy Y. Suenaka Soke and Shihan Chad Taylor at the 2019 summer camp (Gasshuku). Cobb Sensei enjoys his time in the dojo and is always eager to learn from and teach to all who are on the mat.

McCumpsey Sensei started his journey in Wadokai Aikido in 2012. He is a skilled and patient instructor that started martial arts journey in Taekwondo in 1991. The love of martial arts s tarted with Taekwondo and mixed martial training under Grand Master Danny Dring where he received his first Black belt in 1994. After moving to Atlanta he trained in the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) where he is ranked 1st Dan and also trained in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) where he is ranked 2nd Dan. In 2012 he discovered the art of Aikido which tied all his previous arts together. Aikido is different because it is more about helping others through love and understanding but can turn deadly if needed in the preservation of life. He was blessed to have earned his Shodan under the last summer camp that our beloved founder Roy Y. Suenaka was able to attend before his passing in 2020.

Sensei Brad Nelson began his study of Aikido in 2013 and has studied and practiced Aikido for 6 years. Through his individual growth and learning, teaching other students, and with his discipline and focused practice of Aikido, Sensei Nelson received the rank of Shodan by Roy Y. Suenaka Soke within 5 years. Sensei Nelson enjoys the challenges and opportunities as an Instructor to help all students regardless of age or skill level, to learn and grow in Aikido, and to be the best Aikidoka that they can be. He enjoys class time and welcomes all into our Aikido (Ohana) Family!

Massey Sensei has studied and practiced Aikido since 2006 under the Wadokai organization and is now c ertified and authorized by Roy Suenaka to teach Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido. Much like Cross Shihan, Sensei Massey is an excellent teacher, his calm, patient and friendly disposition blends well with his professionalism both on and off the mat. His active duty in the USAF lends an upbeat, no nonsense, tongue in cheek, pace and humor that leads the class at a fast but fun pace. His method of teaching is equally enjoyable as he modifies his instructions based on your individual challenges and opportunities. Although the organization itself tends to be wrought with an air of humor and joy for living, the advancement to a black belt in the Wadokai is addressed with the utmost respect and seriousness. As such, eight years is considered the average expected time to reach Sensei. Matt's knowledge and ability in Aikido is evident in his achievement of earning Sensei in 5 years.