Instructor: Sensei Ryan Koch (Certified Instructor, Yondan)

Instructor Lineage:
Morihei Ueshiba
Michio Hikitsuchi
John Smartt
Stephen Steger
Ryan Koch

A native of the Central Coast, Sensei Ryan first discovered his passion for Aikido over 25 years ago under the instruction of Sensei Stephen Steger (RokuDan, sixth-degree black belt) of Full Circle Aikido, Grover Beach. Ryan not only found himself experiencing far less fear and anxiety in his life, but also a heightened sense of purpose and ease. Wishing to pass on the benefits of Aikido to others Ryan was accepted as a formal apprentice under Sensei Steger, ultimately leading to his instructor certification. During these years of training and teaching he personally experienced many of life's challenges, including physical violence, the challenges and joys of raising a severely autistic daughter, as well as trying to find peace in a world of discord and tragedy. These years slowly shaped his Aikido instruction to have a keen emphasis on the principles and "way" of Aikido that allows us to not only survive the chaos of life, but to find a way to maintain harmony, gratitude, and even joy in the face of it. Ryan has been teaching Aikido in Atascadero since 2008 and currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt). He teaches both adult and kids classes with a focus on an enlivening, friendly, purposeful, fun, and philosophical training environment. Over his nearly two decades of teaching he's promoted many students from white belt through black belt as well as seen the transformative power of Aikido work through his students. He strives to continually adapt his teachings to meet the unique needs of every Aikido student, whether it's minor day to day challenges or extreme life events. In addition to his Aikido experience Ryan holds a Bachelors degree in Philosophy from Cal Poly, as well as being an avid amateur astronomer, philosopher, husband, and father.