Sensei Stephen Steger Founder & Chief Instructor

Stephen Steger began his formal training in aikido at age 20, and by 1987 was a full-time apprentice and instructor under John Smartt (Stockton California). 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 Steger opened his first full-time dojo in Modesto California, where he built a large vibrant community. As a dojo cho Stephen also trained extensively with Koichi Barrish, earned his godan (5th-degree black belt), lead a variety of unique seminars (women's self defense, life purpose, ethical leadership, etc.), and trained several apprentices (many of whom have become respected teachers in their own right).

In 1999 Stephen and his wife Maureen moved to the beautiful California Central Coast, a long time dream of theirs. In 2005 they opened their new family-friendly dojo in Grover Beach California. Sensei Steger is a full-time instructor with more than 20 years of teaching experience, a husband and father, and a man of faith dedicated to bringing a little light to a chaotic and dangerous world.

Sensei Maureen Steger Certified Instructor

Sensei Maureen has been an aikidoist since 1992. She is a certified instructor and nidan (2nd degree black belt) who assists the children's and women's classes. Maureen is also a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice, wife, and mother.