Shidoin
Julian Frost
A native of England, Julian’s study of martial arts began at 8 years of age, with 9 years of competitive judo and continued with traditional Japanese Ju-jutsu, Karate and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Julian started Aikido in England in 1982, where his teachers included Dee Chen (6th Dan), Steve Beecham (6th Dan), Minoru Kanetsuka (8th Dan) and Nobuyoshi Tamura (8th Dan). In 1989, Julian relocated to San Diego where he spent 3 years as uchi deshi (live in student) and 8 years as kenshusei (member of the advanced teacher training program) at the San Diego Aikikai, under Kazuo Chiba shihan, 8th Dan. Julian is a retired police officer, is currently ranked 5th dan, and has been studying Aikido for more than 35 years. He also holds black belt ranks in Iaido and Jodo.
Julian is Assistant Chief Instructor and is Shidoin certified.
Leslie Cohen
Leslie began training in 1988 with Jerry Paup Sensei and the aikido club at UC Santa Cruz. From her first roll she was hooked and began training as much as possible, also joining North Bay Aikido under Linda Holiday Sensei. In 1990 she traveled to Shingu, Japan to study with Hikitsuchi Sensei. Soon after her return to San Diego in 1991, Leslie became the student of Chiba Sensei at San Diego Aikikai. She feels immensely grateful and fortunate to have been able to train with him until his retirement. As a Stay-at-Home Mom to her two children, she spends a lot of time volunteering at their school. Leslie also leads the Scripps Ranch Zen Group.
Under Chiba Sensei, Leslie is ranked 6th dan and Shidoin certified.
Additional Instructors
Gary Payne
Gary Payne (4th Dan) started Aikido in 1989 with Bruce Bookman Sensei (6th Dan) at Aikido Northwest. After an injury and a move out of the country Gary resumed Aikido in Argentina under Katsutoshi Kurata Sensei (7th Dan), and Ricardo Lopez Sensei (5th Dan). Upon returning to his native San Diego Gary began studying Aikido under K. Chiba Shihan (8th Dan) in 1997, and M. Murashige Sensei (6th Dan), and has been a part of San Diego Aikikai ever since.
From 1984 to 1989 Gary also studied American Kempo Karate (San Diego), and Shito-ryu Karate (Seattle). He has subsequently studied Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Fabio Santos (7th Dan), and Alex Brandao (3rd Dan) on and off since 2005. Gary is a purple belt in BJJ.
Gary is a photographer by profession, and an amateur musician (mandolin & violin). He is married and has three children.