INSTRUCTORS
Chief instructor John Araujo Sensei has over 30 years martial arts experience and began his Martial Art career at age 7 through John Almeida (Hanshi), Shotokan Karate Style for approximately 10 years. He then at age 17 was introduced to another Martial Art called Aikido, where he went on to train under Jack Leonardo Sensei at the New Bedford Aikikai, who was a student of Kanai Sensei, Koichi Tohei, and Yamada Sensei. Among Araujo Sensei’s time training at New Bedford Aikikai he enjoyed instruction from high rank instructors from Japan and the U.S. In early 2003 Araujo Sensei attended a Tenshin Aikido Seminar in Florida directed by Shihan Luis Santos Chief Instructor of Shoubukan Honbu Dojo Headquarters & President of Tenshin Aikido Federation. Araujo Sensei was fascinated by Shihan Santos Tenshin Aikido and began his journey and training in Tenshin Aikido under the direction of Shihan Luis Santos. Araujo Sensei & his Dojo is organized/affiliated through Shoubukan Honbu Dojo Headquarters in Orlando FL., under Shihan Luis Santos through the D.N.B.K. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Honbu Kyoto, Japan. Araujo Sensei opened the first Tenshin Style Dojo in Bristol County, Ma and New England under Shihan Luis Santos Of Shoubukan Dojo, FL. Organized through the (D.N.B.K) Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Honbu Kyoto, Japan. While in his home state of Massachusetts he continues his training and seminars all over the world and passing his knowledge through safe practice, and brings Aikido to Bristol County.
Manager and Asst. Instructor Tony Ferreira was told as a boy to try martial arts to help with his anger issues. Tony then found himself with extra time on his hands and inspiration struck. He decided to start his martial art journey with Karate for several years. Tony's then decided to try Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo Karate for the next 15 years. Because of life changes Tony took a 10 year leave from martial arts. In early 2008 Tony decided to try Aikido, and he was hooked after the first class. He started his training in Aikido at Aikido Of Bristol County Dojo.Tony is one of the rare martial artists that can learn and excel at different styles simultaneously without having the muscle memory learned in one, corrupt or influence the other. Tony remains focused on the ability and knowledge of self defense, but also leverages his training to gain a greater sense of awareness of himself and others.Tony also oversees the young adult’s training and is a mentor & motivator to all members, in addition to serving as a dojo asst. instructor and managing operations. Tony is also a successful business owner of Bay State Building and Design in the Bristol County area.
Manager and Asst. Instructor Eric Sylvia was originally motivated to begin his training because of his interest in Japanese culture and martial arts. Little did he know at the time it would start a journey which would become much more than another hobby, but an integral part of his life. Eric Sylvia at a young age started his study of Shotokan Karate,& Jujitsu with Bill Aguiar Sensei and also trained in Judo under Sensei Charlotte L. Leger in Fall River Ma.for several years. Eric then joined John Araujo Sensei at Aikido Of Bristol County in 2009. Through Aikido Of Bristol County Eric is organized through Shoubukan Dojo, Orlando Fl., by Shihan Luis Santos under the D.N.B.K. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Honbu Kyoto, Japan. In addition to his direct teachers, Eric has also had the opportunity to travel to many seminars and experience the Aikido instruction of some of the art’s highest ranking teachers from Japan and the U.S. After several years of martial arts Eric's Aikido training continues to provide never ending avenues for discovery and growth, both as an Aikido practitioner and as a member of society. Eric oversees the young adult’s training and is a mentor & motivator to all members, in addition to serving as a dojo asst. instructor and managing operations. Eric is also a master electrician and a successful business owner of Sylvia's Electrician in the Bristol County area.
General Manager and Instructor Michael Rosa Sensei (Shodan) was originally motivated to begin his training because of his interest in Japanese culture and martial arts. Little did he know at the time it would start a journey which would become much more than another hobby, but an integral part of his life. Rosa Sensei at a young age started his study of Shotokan Karate, Judo, & Jujitsu with Bill Aguiar Sensei in Fall River, Ma. In 1995 Michael began Aikido under Jack Leonardo Sensei at the New Bedford Aikikai, shortly after Leonardo’s Sensei’s death he continued his training with Don Cardoza Sensei at the Aikido Wellness Resource Center North Dartmouth, Ma. Michael then joined John Araujo Sensei at Aikido Of Bristol County in 2005, there he went through a minimal of 1,500 hours of extensive training and became a full instructor. Through Aikido Of Bristol County Michael is organized through Shoubukan Dojo, Orlando Fl., by Shihan Luis Santos under the D.N.B.K. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Honbu Kyoto, Japan. In addition to his direct teachers, Michael has also had the opportunity to travel to many seminars and experience the Aikido instruction of some of the art’s highest ranking teachers from Japan and the U.S. After over 20 years of martial arts Michael’s Aikido training continues to provide never ending avenues for discovery and growth, both as an Aikido practitioner and as a member of society. Michael oversees the young adult’s training and is a mentor & motivator to all members, in addition to serving as a dojo instructor and managing operations.
(As of 2012 Michael currently resides in California)
AIKIDO OF BRISTOL COUNTY
TENSHIN AIKIDO
1 Wamsutta Street
New Bedford, Ma 02740
(508) 542-9437
aikidoofbristolcounty@gmail.com
