About

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The Founders

Ray Felicano of Maru Dojo

(https://www.marudojo.com/)

Is Rokudan (6th degree black belt) Aikido sensei and a Shodan (1st degree black belt) in BJJ.  He co-created AVANT to teach Aikido practitioners how to incorporate BJJ techniques into their Aikido practice. This a new way of training and a new way forward in Aikido in the U.S.

Shawn Ellingson

aikidomountainwest.org/instructors/shawn-ellingson/

Is a Godan (5th degree black belt) Aikido sensei and a Brown Belt (1st Kyu) BJJ.  He co-created AVANT to teach Aikido practitioners how to incorporate BJJ techniques into their Aikido practice. This a new way of training and a new way forward in Aikido in the U.S.