Sensei Larry Combs
Was introduced to Aikido by his dad, Lloyd Eugene
Combs, who was instrumental in introducing Yoshikan
Aikido to America. Larry joined AIkido of Richmond in
1997, after attending a class at the encouragement of his
son, Mark. Shihan Jerome was also a student at the
same dojo and also encouraged Larry to join, saying that
he belonged on the mat. Larry comes from a long line of
aikidoka, as his father was one of the first teachers of
Aikido in the US. He brings a great energy and a realistic
approach to techniques when teaching class. One of the
highlights of his journey so far was being Uke for his son,
Mark, during his black belt test.
Was introduced to Aikido by his dad, Lloyd Eugene
Combs, who was instrumental in introducing Yoshikan
Aikido to America. Larry joined AIkido of Richmond in
1997, after attending a class at the encouragement of his
son, Mark. Shihan Jerome was also a student at the
same dojo and also encouraged Larry to join, saying that
he belonged on the mat. Larry comes from a long line of
aikidoka, as his father was one of the first teachers of
Aikido in the US. He brings a great energy and a realistic
approach to techniques when teaching class. One of the
highlights of his journey so far was being Uke for his son,
Mark, during his black belt test.
Sensei Mark Combs
As a high school student, Mark was a star player on the
wrestling team and also enjoyed playing football.
Following graduation, he wanted to continue in a
physical activity, so at the suggestion of his father, he
looked into a martial art. Seeing as his grandfather had
studied aikido, the path he was to take was very clear.
He found the Aikido of Richmond dojo and in 1997
began his study of this amazing art. In 2005, he joined
Shihan Jerome as an assistant instructor in the Ashland
dojo. Mark has a wonderful teaching style and moves
with the speed and grace of a wrestler, which makes
him wonderful to watch. His constant analysis of
techniques and simple explanations make his classes
a pleasure to attend.
As a high school student, Mark was a star player on the
wrestling team and also enjoyed playing football.
Following graduation, he wanted to continue in a
physical activity, so at the suggestion of his father, he
looked into a martial art. Seeing as his grandfather had
studied aikido, the path he was to take was very clear.
He found the Aikido of Richmond dojo and in 1997
began his study of this amazing art. In 2005, he joined
Shihan Jerome as an assistant instructor in the Ashland
dojo. Mark has a wonderful teaching style and moves
with the speed and grace of a wrestler, which makes
him wonderful to watch. His constant analysis of
techniques and simple explanations make his classes
a pleasure to attend.
Sensei Dave Robinson
In 1998, Dave signed up to study aikido. He attended
the dojo with Sensei Larry and Sensei Mark, as well as
Shihan Jerome. Like each of the instructors, Dave
brings a love and respect of the art to his classes.
Being such a tall person, his height is an advantage to
his teaching, as he can offer different ways of
performing techniques so that they are equally effective
for multiple size attackers. One of his favorite things
about aikido is watching the amazing transformation of
the students as they study the art.
In 1998, Dave signed up to study aikido. He attended
the dojo with Sensei Larry and Sensei Mark, as well as
Shihan Jerome. Like each of the instructors, Dave
brings a love and respect of the art to his classes.
Being such a tall person, his height is an advantage to
his teaching, as he can offer different ways of
performing techniques so that they are equally effective
for multiple size attackers. One of his favorite things
about aikido is watching the amazing transformation of
the students as they study the art.
| Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland |
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| Location 405 England Street Ashland, Va Henry Clay Shopping Center Ashland, Va 23005 Contact 804 537 0526 Email Dojocho@gmail.com Class Fees $40.00 per month $35.00 Annual Membership Dues Class Schedule Sundays 4:30 - 6:30 Friday 6:00-7:00 (except 3rd Fridays) 3rd Fridays 6:00am - 7:00am |
Shihan Jerome Legions, chief instructor and Dojo Cho
Jerome started studying Suenaka Ha Tetsugaku-Ho
Aikido in 1993 at Aikido of Richmond. Upon first stepping
into the dojo, he had the attitude of mastering this style
and then moving on. As you can see, many years later, he
is still studying this complex art. In 2000 with Sensei
Suenaka’s blessing, opened the Ashland dojo for those
who were interested in studying this form of Aikido. This
has allowed him to not only continue his training but also
share his love of aikido with many other people. He
continues to be a teachable spirit, challenging his
students on the mat as well as outside the dojo.
Jerome started studying Suenaka Ha Tetsugaku-Ho
Aikido in 1993 at Aikido of Richmond. Upon first stepping
into the dojo, he had the attitude of mastering this style
and then moving on. As you can see, many years later, he
is still studying this complex art. In 2000 with Sensei
Suenaka’s blessing, opened the Ashland dojo for those
who were interested in studying this form of Aikido. This
has allowed him to not only continue his training but also
share his love of aikido with many other people. He
continues to be a teachable spirit, challenging his
students on the mat as well as outside the dojo.
