Formed over 20 years ago, Suginami USA is an organization of affiliate dojos dedicated to the teachings of our founder, Hiroshi Kato Shihan, 8th Dan. Through this network of devoted students, we strive to preserve his legacy in the practice and study of Aikido.
Kato Sensei, Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Houston Tx
Born in Tokyo on March 24, 1935, Kato Sensei began his Aikido training in 1954 at the age of 18 at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo as a direct student of the founder, Morehei Ueshiba (Ōsensei). Working as a printer at the time, he was unable to train as a full-time uchideshi (live-in student); instead, he balanced his career with a demanding, ascetic personal practice. His early training was defined by rigorous routine, including late-nights swinging the bokken, hiking and meditation at mountain shrines, and long hours of solo practice. Throughout the rest of his life he continued to share his passion for Aikido all over the world.
Kato Sensei touched the spirit of so many throughout his years of teaching. However, with the kindness and humility that defined him, he once stated, 'I do not teach, we practice together'.
In the spirit of Hiroshi Kato Shihan, we continue this practice, together.
We host a number of seminars throughout the year in addition to our annual seminar schedule. Details to be announced closer to the dates.
Fall 2026
Unity in Motion Seminar, led by Suginami USA's chief instructors (Held annually on a rotating basis among our affiliate dojos, this year's event will be hosted at Shudokan Aikido in Houston, TX)
More details will be provided closer to the date.
Winter 2027
Seminar with Weldon Mauney Sensei, 5th Dan, Suginami USA Vice President. (Held in Houston, TX)
Spring 2027
Emerging Leaders Seminar, led by Suginami USA's early-career black belts (Held in Houston, TX)
Summer 2027
Seminar with Steve Baker, 6th Dan, and visiting senseis from Suginami Aikikai, Tokyo (Held in Houston, TX)
Suginami USA Network
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Dojo Cho: Brian Heery (6th Dan)
Email: drheery@gmail.com
Phone: 831‑325‑2740
Pensacola, FL 32501
Dojo Cho: Weldon Mauney (5th Dan)
Phone: 850‑619‑9744
Houston, TX 77084
Dojo Cho: Carol Harkness (4th Dan)
Email: shudokanaikidotx@gmail.com
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Dojo Cho: Joel Molina (3rd Dan)
Phone: 867‑735‑1161
Suginami USA Officers
Brian Heery (6th Dan)
Weldon Mauney (5th Dan)
Carol Harkness (4th Dan)
Steve Baker (6th Dan)
For general enquiries, please contact our Secretary, Carol Harkness at shudokanaikidotx@gmail.com
