Glossary of Terms
A guide to common Japanese terms frequently used in Aikido.
Dojo Etiquette Guide
An overview of the rules of etiquette as observed in the dojo.
Teachers (Sensei)
Chief Instructor
Yahe Solomon, 7th dan, Chief Instructor, began his Aikido Training at age 6 with Dr. Masahilo Nakazono. At age 19 he began an apprenticeship under Professor TK Chiba in San Diego, California. He then lived as an uchideshi (live in student) with Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba in Hombu Japan, one of the only foreign uchideshi, for almost three years. After returning to train with Chiba Sensei as an uchideshi, he ran the Connecticut Aikikai for eleven years. He then moved to Bozeman, Montana where he ran the Sei Chu Kan Dojo and raised his family.
He wants to empower people in their lives through the enjoyment of the practice of Aikido. He is also an acupuncturist and gifted healer.
Assistant Instructors
Kelly Burns, Assistant Instructor, started her training in 1992. She trained as a kenshusei (teacher trainee) with Professor TK Chiba which involved a rigorous training schedule for five years. She then trained with Shibata Sensei in Berkeley for two years, and then began teaching.
She enjoys the challenge of teaching because it makes her grow in Aikido and as a person and she loves sharing the art with others.
Eric Karalius, 5th dan, Assistant Instructor, started his training in 1986 with John Hrabushi Sensei. He then trained with Yahe Solomon Sensei starting in 1997. In 2004, when Mike Sidebottom Sensei took over Connecticut Aikikai Eric continued training. When Mike Sensei left in 2008, he took over as Chief Instructor and ran the dojo along with the help of senior students until 2025 when Yahe Sensei returned.
He is inspired by the enthusiasm of fellow students, with the goal of enjoyable practice as age tries to have its way!
Chris Gottschalk, 5th Dan
Gary Haydu, 4th dan, began martial arts in the early 80’s training in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do. He started at Connecticut Aikikai in 1990 with then instructor Juba Nour Shihan, following under Michael Sidebottom Sensei. When Mike Sensei left, he helped run the dojo and taught in the dojo with other senior students. He’s continuing his practice under the current instructor Yahe Solomon.
He enjoys continuing practice to maintain personal philosophies as well as engaging others to improve the Aikido experience