Aikikai - Hombu Dojo
The Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters) is the parent organization for the development of Aikido throughout the world. To correctly transmit Aikido according to the ideals of the founder, O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, thousands of instructors under the leadership of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba are doing their utmost to teach Aikido to students in Japan and around the world.

California Aikido Association
The California Aikido Association is a worldwide organization officially recognized by the Aikikai. The CAA is guided by the physical and philosophical ideals established by Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. The CAA embraces many stylistic and technical traditions. It is fortunate to have within its membership many teachers with varied backgrounds and complementary skills.

The CAA is organized into three unique and complementary Divisions. The Divisions are somewhat like the points of a triangle - distinct in perspective, yet equal in importance to the essence of the triangle. Division 1 is headed by Pat Hendricks Sensei, 6th Dan; Division 2 is headed by Frank Doran Shihan, 7th Dan; Division 3 is headed by Robert Nadeau Shihan, 7th Dan.

Aikido of San Luis Obispo
Aikido of San Luis Obispo is a member of the California Aikido Association, Division 2, headed by Frank Doran Shihan, the founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido West. It is this affiliation that connects ASLO with Aikido World Headquarters.

The Chief Instructor of Aikido of San Luis Obispo is Mary Tesoro. She and Tom Elliott co-founded the dojo in 1987, with the support and guidance of Aikido of Monterey, Danielle Smith Sensei. Mary has been sole dojo cho since 1996, when Tom moved out-of-state. Aikido of San Luis Obispo continues to grow with the support of many devoted Aikidoka.

Through the CAA and the general Aikido community, Aikido of San Luis Obispo shares close ties with many diverse dojos and we are fortunate to have been influenced by many wonderful teachers. In addition to the instruction, guidance and vision received from our primary teacher Frank Doran Shihan, we acknowledge with gratitude the following “foundation shapers" (in alpha order by dojo):

Aikido of Ashland: Michael Friedl Sensei

Aikido of Monterey: Senseis Danielle Smith and Dennis Evans

Aikido of Tamalpais: Senseis George Leonard, Wendy Palmer and Richard Heckler

Boulder Aikikai: Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei

Seattle Aikikai: Bruce Bookman Sensei