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Classes are taught by Dan Gilbert 1st Dan Fukushidoin Dan has been studying martial arts for over 30 years, he has experience in Traditional Jujitsu, Vita Saana, Traditional Thai Kick Boxing, Tae Kwon Do, and worked with his brother who teaches Ishinryu Karate. Dan also taught rape prevention and self defense in the US military from 1985 through 1989. Preferring traditional martial arts to sports styles, Dan focuses on the fundamentals that make martial arts effective for self defense.  Dan started his Aikido training in Bridgnorth, UK under Sensei Paul Evans. The Bridnorth dojo is part of the Shun Poo Kan system under Sensei Brian Burrows. |
 Dan teaches at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Gastonia NC. He enjoys tailoring Aikido to the needs of the students. Dan has run seminars for students at Gaston Day School and St. Michael's Catholic School in Gastonia. Dan is very active in the community, a Red Cross instructor, volunteer at the Salvation Army, a rugby referee, and a board member of the local Rotary club.  Shun Poo Kan, NC, is focused on meeting the needs of the community. There is no pressure to grade, you can develop at the pace you are comfortable with. We regularly visit primarily self-defence topics as well as traditional Aikido. |
Dan's interest in martial arts started at a very early age, his first class being in Jujitsu in his home town, North Adams, Mass. Dan and his brother maintained an interest in martial arts throughout their lives, below is a picture circa 1983 (or so) of Dan and his brother Darren sparring in Clinton TN.  |
About Instructor |