Athens Aikido
Japanese Martial Arts School
Instructors
Toko J. Flower
Chief Instructor: 6th Dan Shihan
Toko J. Flower Sensei began her training in Norwich, England in 1989 before moving to San Diego two years later to train under T. K. Chiba Shihan for three years in the Kenshusei program living for one year as Uchideshi (live in student) at San Diego Aikikai. During this time she was also fortunate to train extensively under M. Murashige Shihan who she considers to be an important teacher for her. In 1997 she moved to Greece and established Athens Aikikai which she ran for ten years before establishing Athens Aikido in 2008. She currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt and is a Birankai International certified instructor (Shihan). Regularly invited to teach at international seminars , she has taught extensively in the United States, UK, France, Poland and Switzerland. She is Chairman of the Hellenic Birankai Teaching Committee.
In addition to her work in Aikido she has been a dedicated Zen practitioner since the early 90s and continues her studies under the guidance of Canadian teacher Rev. Komyo Seido of Chisoku-an Zendo.
Nikos Costalas
Assistant Instructor; 4th Dan Fukushidoin
Nikos has been practicing Aikido since 2004 and currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt. He is a Birankai International Certified assistant instructor (Fukushidoin). He is a member of the Hellenic Birankai Support Committee.
Maria Koliopoulou
Assistant Instructor; 3rd Dan
Maria Koliopoulou is a female artist, activist, choreographer, performer and dance teacher living and working in Athens. She earned a scholarship to the Laban Centre fοr Movement and Dance and studied Fine Arts at Vacalo School of Arts & Design. She practices in the martial art of Aikido with Toko Jenny Flower Shihan Sensei since 2011 and holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt. She is a founding member and artistic director of Prosxima Dance Company where she choreographs and performs since 1996.
Petros Zisou
Assistant Instructor; 4th Dan