Head Instructor

About Our Dojo-cho and Head Instructor

Beginner Class Instructors

Jesse Spears – Tuesday Beginner Instructor

Jesse Spears began learning Aikido under Leslie Libby Sensei in 2002.  Later, he spent many years training at South Austin Aikido, and eventually became the head instructor there.  He has trained with many instructors at seminars over the years, and has been heavily influenced by 2 in teachers in particular:  Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan and Mary Heiny Shihan.  His philosophy is focused on connecting with uke, resolving conflict with as little force as possible, and always being martially correct.  He currently holds a rank of 3rd degree black belt in Aikido (Sandan).

Connor Ahlbach – Thursday Beginner Instructor

Connor Ahlbach started aikido at Two Cranes Aikido in Seattle in 2013 under Kimberley Richardson sensei, a student of Mary Heiny sensei. He loves aikido because it can be both soft and powerful at the same time. The feeling of connection in aikido always brings joy. He also teaches math at Texas State.

Sunday Open Class Instructor

Eliot Kimber has been training with Leslie Libby Sensei for more than 10 years. The practice of training in a spirit of joy keep him engaged with Aikido. As teacher, his focus is on fundamentals of form essential to success and progress in any Aikido journey.

Children’s Program Instructor

Kyle Matthews is a writer, teacher and father.  Over thirteen years of studying Aikido, he has found the principles and experiences gathered throughout his training to be joy-bringing, profound and deeply healing. He is inspired to transmit and teach this phenomenal martial art to children.