Instructors

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.

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.

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.

Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland
431 England St. Ashland, Va 23005 804 537 0526

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.