Ian Antal
Dojo-Cho/Chief Instructor
Ian Antal Sensei is a nidan (second degree black belt) Aikikai, recognized by Hombu dojo in Japan. His training began and continues at Genshinkan Aikido of Manhattan, where he served as Gary Wagener Sensei's first Soto Deshi, and is now Assistant Dojo Cho. "All the machismo and competition involved in martial arts were always a huge turn off, but then Aikido came along, preaching that 'competition is self-defeating'. The paradox behind a system of combat combined with a philosophy of peace will never cease to be a source of puzzlement and fascination."
Outside the dojo, Mr. Antal stars in off-broadway shows as an Associate Artist with New York Classical Theatre and tours across the country performing puppet shows for children.
Sarah Antal
Instructor
Sarah Antal Sensei is a nidan (second degree black belt) Aikikai, recognized by Hombu dojo in Japan. She began her Aikido training at Genshinkan Aikido of Manhattan, where she continues to practice under the tutelage of Gary Wagener Sensei. "I first started Aikido because I missed being a student. I was never into martial arts, but the movement in Aikido reminded me so much of dance that I was immediately drawn to it. Just like in my classical dance training, the emphasis Aikido lays on very specific footwork is key. It's an Art that keeps unfolding and revealing itself, so one is a student forever!"
In addition to instructing Aikido, Mrs. Antal also operates a successful dance studio where she teaches ballet classes.
Gary Wagener
Genshinkan Aikido - Founder
Dojo-Cho/Chief Instructor, NYC
Gary Wagener Sensei is a Yondan (4th degree black belt) Aikikai, recognized by Hombu dojo in Japan. The centering and harmonious aspect of daily practice is what originally and continually draws Mr. Wagener to aikido. "After training for some time students begin to notice their everyday movements change, their breathing changes, and their daily communication changes. This injection of focused harmony and budo spirit begin to manifest itself through the understanding of aikido." Mr. Wagener's goal as a practitioner and instructor is to help students understand the foundations and find joy in their training.
In addition to his training and instructing at Genshinkan Aikido Dojo, Mr. Wagener has taught aikido programs to underprivileged children in New York Public Schools.
