David Ross, 6. Dan Shidoin
Chief Instructor
Direct Student of Yamada Shihan (8. Dan)
David was a member of New York Aikikai for 30 years and is a licenced chief instructor (Shidoin) of United States Aikido Federation (USAF). He has trained with many original uchideshis (direct students of O-sensei): Yoshimitsu Yamada, Seiichi Sugano, Mitsunari Kanai and Kazuo Chiba Shihans. Christian Tissier, Hayato Osawa, and Donovan Waite Senseis have also had a strong influence on his aikido development. Iaido, the art of drawing the sword, is an integral part of his martial arts training. 1. Dan Iaido exam under the supervision of Mitsuzuki Takeshi Sensei. David teaches in our dojo since its foundation in 2013.
Gabi Bixel, 5. Dan Shidoin
Chief Instructor
Student of Yamada Shihan (8. Dan) and Founder of AikiMünster dojo
Gabi began her aikido training in 1997, first under Morihiro Saito Shihan (9. Dan) and in 1999 under Kazuo Chiba Shihan (8. Dan). Since 2011, she is a student of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (8. Dan) and a licensed chief instructor of USAF (Shidoin).
Gabi trained weapons under Kazuo Chiba Shihan and teaches aikido and bokken/jo in our dojo. Regular iaido training was also part of her martial arts training for several years.
Inga Knigge, 2. Dan
Co-Instructor
Student of Yamada Shihan (8. Dan)
Inga started doing Aikido in April 2011. At first she trained with Hans Höpp (4. Dan Fukushidoin) and regularly at seminars with Chris Mooney Shihan (7. Dan), both direct students of deshi Kazuo Chiba Shihan (8. Dan). She also learned Chiba Shihan’s Bokken and Jo system. Since November 2015 she is a student of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (8. Dan) and member of this dojo. Starting after her shodan exam at the end of 2021, she is teaching in the dojo regularly once a month. She earned her Nidan degree in December 2023.