Leslie Libby
Libby Sensei holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Aikido (Yondan) and has been training consistently for 24 years. She began her martial arts training in 1982 while attending Montana State University in Bozeman MT. Libby Sensei took aikido for credit through the University's P.E. Department. Her teacher Greg Olson Sensei noticed her dedication and enthusiasm for studying aikido and recommended she go to Japan.
Libby Sensei followed Olson Sensei's advice and after she graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering she went to Japan. She so enjoyed training at the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo that she lived and trained in Japan for 5 years. During this time she trained with many Master Teachers (Shihan) and also with the founder's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, and grandson, the current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba. While in Japan she also trained in the art of Japanese Archery, which she continues to practice to this day.
Libby Sensei moved to Austin in 1989 to obtain a Master's Degree in Engineering from the University of Texas. She began teaching aikido in 1992 and has been at her current location since 1998.
Libby Sensei is employed by the City of Austin and manages the City's solar energy programs.