James Jones Sensei is a Yondan (4th degree black belt) Aikikai, recognized by Hombu dojo in Japan. James Jones started his martial arts training in 1974. He began first with the study of Japanese Goju-ryu Karate, attaining the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt) before starting his study of Aikido in the late 1980's. Mr. Jones was accepted as a student by Fumio Toyoda Shihan in 1992 and studied under him until his death in 2001. Mr. Jones formed Arkansas Budokan in 1990 and established Gyokushinkan Aikido Dojo in 1993. In 2005, Gyokushinkan Dojo became a founding dojo for the Aikido World Alliance, based in Chicago, with direct affiliation to Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Jones now studies under Andrew Sato, Rokudan (6th degre black belt) Aikikai, Shihandai, Chief Instructor for the Aikido World Alliance. Mr. Jones also studies Eishin Ryu Iaido, Mugai Ryu Iaido, and Zazen.
Joe Johnson Sensei is a Shodan (1st degree black belt) Aikikai, recognized by Hombu dojo in Japan.