Gary Small Shihan

Gary Small began his martial arts and Aikido training in 1974 while in high school and continued through college and beyond. While building his business in the sporting goods industry across the New England states, he trained at New England Aikikai and explored other martial arts. In 1988 he joined Shobu Aikido of Boston under the direction of William Gleason Sensei. He continues to travel to seminars and camps, deepening his journey as both teacher and student of the art. In 2001 the family moved to Maine, where he and Ania established Aikido of Maine.

“Having a dojo is an incredible privilege — it is a constant learning experience and a true pleasure to spend my time thinking about our practice and how we can make our dojo a better place. I am very captivated by the power of aikido in peoples’ lives and from a training perspective I am most interested in the uke nage relationship, dropping our tension, and how we can put O’Sensei’s teachings of creating harmony and improving the world into physical form.”

“I am always excited with the many ways aikido practice can help people who are in need of transition and am humbled by the power of the practice to help people improve their lives.”

Gary was promoted to Rokyudan (6th dan) in 2017 and awarded the title of Shihan in 2026. Shihan translates as “teacher-model” in Japanese, from shi, – teacher and han , example or standard — the title recognizes senior instructors who have achieved a minimum of 6th dan and at least six years at that rank, and who embody the principles of the art with the responsibility of preserving and passing on its teachings with integrity and wisdom.

“The title Shihan is something I sit with carefully. There is some pride, yes — and it is quiet, quickly overshadowed by a sense of deepening responsibility: to my own continuing study, and to our dojo and the students who trust us with their training. I am profoundly grateful to Mitsugi Saotome Sensei, whose support and inspiration informs how I approach our art — as well as to Hombu Dojo, our organization, and the many teachers and training partners who have supported and challenged my practice over more than fifty years. This title is not a conclusion. It is, if anything, a reminder of how much further there is to go.”

Ania Small Sensei

Is a Rokyudan (6th dan) in Aikido. She began her Aikido training in Warsaw, Poland in 1983. Right before coming to the US in 1989, she lived in London and trained Aikido with Kanetsuka Sensei. After coming to Boston, Ania joined Shobu Aikido and studied with Gleason Sensei. In 2001 she moved to Maine to open a dojo with her husband Gary. Ania has been part of ASU and studying with Saotome Sensei since coming to US. She has been awarded Ueshiba Juku designation and serves the ASU in a variety of ways. Ania holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is interested in the role mind plays in Aikido practice.  She has a private practice in Freeport Maine.

“I came across Aikido class completely by accident, while returning a book to a friend. If you asked me then if I was interested in Martial Arts, I would have said no, but what I saw, completely captivated me. I loved the beauty of Aikido movement, I noticed that people were enjoying the practice and later learned that it was a non-competitive art. After participating in competitive team sports, I was looking for a physical activity I could enjoy and engage in without the focus on winning or loosing. Now, years later, I fell very lucky to have Aikido in my life. It gives me a great physical workout, including aerobic exercise, strength and core training as well as opportunity for self discovery and growth. Aikido practice continues to teach me about energy, power, conflict resolution and relationships. Studying and teaching Aikido is an integral part of my life. Through it, I met many people and build many friendships. I have also had opportunities to travel and study with amazing teachers.”