Diamond State Aikido

Meet the Instructors...


 Stefan Pisocki
Stefan Pisocki began his aikido studies in 1995.  He received his black belt in 2001 and was promoted to nidan (second degree black belt) in 2004 by Yamada Yoshimitsu Shihan.  In 2007, He received the position of fukushidoin (certified teacher) by the United States Aikido Federation, becoming the first and only fukushidoin in the state of Delaware.  Stefan's specialty and favorite aspect of aikido is the art of ukemi or receiving a technique. 

Stefan is a Registered Dietitian with a B.S. in Dietetics and an M.S. in Human Nutrition from the University of Delaware.  His hobbies are aikido, weight lifting, tennis, playing piano, Jeopardy, crossword puzzles and trivia, and playing with his son, Jon. 

"When I began my formal training, I heard the whispers that my size would prohibit me from mastering aikido techniques (Stefan was the United States Drug-Free Junior, Tall Class Body Building Champion in 1987).  I do agree that a smaller person might not have the strength to use as a "bandage" to cover for bad technique.  However, I have known from the beginning that if I am straining my muscles, I am doing something wrong, or at least, I am not doing aikido. The fact of the matter is that you don't need strength, flexibility, endurance or speed to do an aikido technique.
 

John Hadfield
John Hadfield began his study of aikido in 1993 under the Rev. Zenko Okimura.  He has a background in boxing, wrestling and judo, has practiced several styles of aikido, and has been teaching aikido for more than 10 years.  John's classes reinforce the importance of the basic principles of aikido awareness and posture, breathing and relaxing, entering, turning, moving off the line of attack, and taking the attacker's center. He received his black belt in 1999.

John is a professional entertainer and a former circus performer, and currently travels and performs a comedy / educational science show and a variety show (with original funny music, magic and juggling) for kids and their families. John's hobbies are aikido, ski racing and dog agility.

"The founder of aikido said, 'Always practice aikido in a vibrant and joyful manner.'  We try to keep that positive energy, preserving the traditions of aikido in a relaxed atmosphere. People come to Diamond State Aikido to practice hard, learn, and have fun."
 

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Diamond State Aikido • PO Box 1001 • Newark, DE  19715