Chris Gaston Sensei has studied aikido for 23 years and received his nidan rank in 1993. He then founded the Roanoke Budo Kai in 1994 as an independent dojo. The dojo’s independence allowed Gaston Sensei to broadly focus on many aspects of the art. Additionally, by offering aikido as a class through the Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Department, Gaston Sensei could also uphold O’Sensei’s belief that Aikido is for everyone. Gaston Sensei designed the patch worn by all RBK aikidoka on left shoulder of his/her gi. There is important symbolism in this patch: the landscape and star references our dojo’s home in the Roanoke Valley, the bamboo represents the flexibility and movement of aikido and the crane shares Aikido’s Japanese origins.
Devin Hamden Sensei studied shodokan karate for four years before beginning his training under Gaston Sensei in 1994. He received his shodan rank from the Roanoke Budo Kai in 1999 and was subsequently appointed Chief Instructor by Gaston Sensei. Hamden Sensei continues Gaston Sensei’s traditions while also overseeing the dojo’s continued growth and development for its future prosperity. His practical approach to self-defense and focus on perfection provides a firm foundation for all students.
Eric Goodbar Sensei began his martial arts training under Gaston Sensei in 1997 and continued under Hamden Sensei when he was appointed Chief Instructor. He was awarded the rank of shodan in 2000 and was appointed as Assistant Instructor thereafter. Goodbar Sensei’s professional training in massage therapy and Ki for Health engenders an increased appreciation of the meditative and spiritual aspects of aikido and its everyday applications.
