Northcoast School of Aikido was founded by John Thomas Read, chief instructor, who is widely recognized for his ability to teach the full variety of Aikido technique in a concise, clear, and powerful way. Both at Northcoast Aikido and in seminars throughout the country, Read Sensei has spent the past thirty years teaching both practical technique, and a complete philosophical basis for power through non-resistance.

Read Sensei began Aikido study in 1969 after a concentrated period of study in traditional karate. Drawn to Aikido as a way to deepen his study of Zen and meditation, he eventually moved to Japan where he underwent a particularly rigorous tutelage under Masters Michio Hikitsuchi (10th dan), Yasushi Tojima, and other instructors of the Kumano Juku Dojo.

On returning from Japan, Sensei Read opened Northcoast Aikido in October of 1977 with formal sanction from Master Hikitsuchi, to provide an environment dedicated to study of the art of Aikido. Since that time, Northcoast Aikido has gained a reputation as one of the oldest, one of the best, and one of the most unorthodox, Aikido dojos in the country.

In addition, Read Sensei is the Founder of Aikibojitsu, the art of the staff.  For more information on this powerful and beautiful art, please see www.aikibojitsu.com.

Peggy Ilene has been training at Northcoast Aikido for thirty years.  In 2008, Read Sensei awarded her the rank of mudan.  The great honor of "emptiness" rank indicates that Peggy has advanced in her training to a place beyond rank, as demonstrated by her powerful yet gentle technique, selfless dedication to helping others, and deep commitment to her spiritual practices.  Peggy teaches Wednesday evening adult class as well as the Wednesday afternoon 9 -12 year old class.  In addition, Peggy Sensei teaches Aikido to college students at HSU.

Robert started his training at Northcoast Aikido in 1987.  He has been training with Tom Read Sensei ever since in both Aikido and Aikibojitsu.  Robert enjoys the continued exploration of these arts and the lifelong study they present.  

Hal Genger has been training at Northcoast Aikido since 1978.   His classes are often humorous, and he brings to the dojo a 30+ year teaching background in the sciences at Humboldt State University. Methodical, his beginning students appreciate his step-by-step approach.  Kind, he has influenced students to look for a more gentle powerful approach to life.  Available, helping others to learn and grow is primary for Hal.  

Carl has over 30 years of martial arts experience and brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to  his classes and training.  He currently teaches every other Friday's adult class.

  Allegra started training at Northcoast Aikido in 1980. Her primary teacher has been Read Sensei, however she also studied at Seattle School of Aikido with Allan Kaplan, Joanne Veneziano and others. She spent some time away from the dojo when her two daughters were young, but has recently returned to the mat, both to train and to teach, and she anticipates continuing her training for many years to come. For Allegra Aikido is a constant exploration of the potential in herself and others for compassionate action in the face of conflict.

A lifelong student of movement and stillness, Jeremy began training in Aikido in 1998 under Jiro Oshi and Kyoko Naguchi (then students of Takanari Higuchi Sensei of Kyoto, Japan). He began studying Aikido and Aikibojitsu under Tom Read Sensei in 1999, who appointed him to Northcoast Aikido’s teaching staff in 2005. Over the years, Jeremy has augmented his studies with a number of other teachers, not least of which are the wild landscapes he has been lucky enough to live in and travel through.

Tom began training at Northcoast Aikido in the spring of 1996. He learned about teaching young people from Peggy Ilene and Teresa Kung, assisting in their classes. Tom has now been teaching at our dojo for over a decade. Tom's love for wild nature keeps him rooted in this special place on the coast. Tom says: "The lessons I have learned, along with the relationships I've developed at our beautiful dojo have influenced me deeply and have improved the quality of my life beyond measure.  I hope for all people to one day experience peace together."

Lorien has lived in Humboldt County for eleven years and has trained at Northcoast Aikido for ten. During that time, she has developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the forests, rivers, and ocean here, and for the meditative aspects of Aikido. When possible, Lorien enjoys exploring bo, sword, and randori practices.