Sensei Stephen Steger

Stephen Steger started aikido at age 20 as a way to recover from chronic illness and abdominal surgery. By 1987 Stephen was a full-time apprentice and instructor under Sensei Smartt (Stockton CA). As a black belt, Stephen taught adult and children's classes, directed the junior's program, and earned his nidan (2nd-degree black belt) and teacher's certification. In 1990 Sensei Stephen opened his first dojo in Modesto CA, growing it to a thriving community in a few short years. As a full-time instructor Stephen also trained extensively with Sensei Barrish (Granite Falls WA), earned several more black belt ranks, lead a variety of unique seminars, and has trained a dozen apprentices.

Sensei Stephen is a full-time Aikido instructor with 25 years of teaching experience and a 6th-degree black belt. Stephen is a husband, father, and follower of Christ dedicated to bringing a little light to a chaotic and dangerous world.

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Sensei Maureen Steger

Sensei Maureen has been an aikidoist since 1992. She is a 3rd-degree black belt and assistant instructor in the children's classes. Maureen is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Christian counselor in private practice, wife, and mother. Maureen's confidential contact information can be found here.

Stephen and his wife Maureen have been happy residents of the Central Coast since 1999.

Sensei Teresa Mitchell

Sensei Teresa Mitchell has been an aikidoist since 2007 and began serving as an apprentice under Sensei Stephen Steger in 2008. In late 2008, Sensei Teresa began operating as the Pre-Junior Program Director. Sensei Teresa is a graduate of U.C.S.B. where she studied Political Science. She is also a devout follower of Christ, and the Facility Specialist II for the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center where she helps teens find support and empowerment in their personal lives.