Mary Heiny Sensei

For fifty years, Mary Heiny Sensei has followed a path of physical and spiritual inspiration as a student and teacher of Aikido.

After studying at Hombu Dojo from 1968 to 1973 with O’Sensei’s direct students and with Hikitsuchi Sensei, 10th dan, Heiny Sensei returned to the United States and began teaching at the University of California in Santa Cruz, later founding Seattle School of Aikido.

Heiny Sensei brings to every class, workshop, and seminar she teaches not only her years of aikido training and teaching, but also her extensive experience and study of Japanese culture, language, Shinto and Buddhist philosophies, and Non-Violent Communication. She strives always to communicate the beauty and challenge of O’sensei’s desire that we use Aikido to become empowered as creative, compassionate beings and learn to appreciate each other as members of one human family.