Chase Valdez
Sandan

Chase began aikido in 1988 in Oklahoma with Douglas Hanson Sensei, (Rokudan, ASU). After moving to NYC in 1997, Chase trained at the Bond Street Dojo with the late Paul Kang Sensei, (Rokudan, ASU), and others. In 2010, he began training with Andrew Sato Sensei, (Nanadan, AWA) the chief instructor for Aikido World Alliance. In 2016, he continued to study with Hal Leherman Sensei, (Nanadan, USAF) at Aikido of Park Slope and eventually helped start Bushwick Dojo under the guidance of Claire Keller Sensei (Rokudan, SKAA). He has also received instruction from many top practitioners throughout the US and abroad, and is excited to share these experiences with the Rising Sun Dojo community.

Chase believes that we are all connected and Aikido gives us the opportunity to explore those connections in a deep and meaningful way.

Chase is ranked Sandan through the Aikikai World Headquarters Hombu Dojo (Tokyo, Japan), and teaches our beginner as well as adult classes, when needed.