Leslie Libby

Sensei holds a 5th degree black belt (godan) in aikido and has been training consistently for 42 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 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 Moriteru Ueshiba. While in Japan she also trained in the art of Japanese archery (kyudo). Currently Leslie is a member of Austin Kyudo and in 2021, received the rank of 1st degree black belt (shodan).