Aikido Yoshinkan Sacramento's founder and chief instructor is Mr. Steven Miranda. Steven began his study of Aikido Yoshinkai in September 1982 under the direction of Mits Yamashita Sensei, 7th dan Shihan of the Sanbukan Dojo in Long Beach, CA. Steven first met Yamashita Sensei at El Camino Community College in Torrance, California, and trained at Sanbukan until his move to the Sacramento region in 1998. In June 1999, he established Aikido Yoshinkan Sacramento and in March of 2000, registered the dojo under the name Seikeikan with the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation. The dojo was named Seikeikan by Terada Kiyoyuki Hanshi, 10th dan.
In July of 2000, Steven began the second phase of his journey under the direction of Amos L. Parker, 9th dan Shihan. Steven had the opportunity to travel throughout North America and the Middle East with Parker Shihan and hosted him every year for intensive instructor-level training. Steven has made several trips to Japan to participate in demonstrations and training sessions with the top Japanese instructors.
In October 2017, Steven was promoted to 7th dan and received the title of Aikido Yoshinkan Shihan from the Aikido Yoshinkai grading committee. Like Parker Shihan, Steven makes himself available to dojos needing or wanting some extra help. This includes schools curious about the Yoshinkan way. Contact the dojo for more information.
Kelly became a part of the Seikeikan family in October 2011 when she signed up her son for classes. In February of 2012, she helped launch our family class which started her journey in Aikido Yoshinkai. With a degree in dance from BYU, a dance instructor, a Physical Education teacher, and a lover of Yoga, she quickly grasped Aikido's concepts and has instilled the same in others. Kelly has taken an active role in teaching the youth students and preparing them for their examinations. In the adult class, she assists in working with the high school students and adults. She is dedicated to her training and has participated in all Seikeikan seminars. Kelly has traveled with the dojo to attend and assist at seminars and demos around the US. She was part of the dojo delegation that traveled to Japan in 2015 where she participated in a joint demonstration at the US Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. In July 2023, she represented the dojo in a public demonstration in Kyoto, Japan attended by over 200 participants and some of Aikido Yoshinkai’s top instructors. Kelly was tested for and passed her 4th-degree black belt test in October 2023 and elevated to level 3 instructor giving her grading authority to 2nd-degree black belt.
Melodi began training in Aikido Yoshinkai in February 2013. As part of her development, she started working with the youth and teens in 2014. Melodi is dedicated to her training and has attended all Seikeikan seminars. Melodi has traveled with the dojo to attend and assist at seminars and demos around the US and was part of a dojo delegation that traveled to Japan in 2015 where she participated in a joint demonstration at the US Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan, and Kyoto Japan in 2019. Melodi was tested for and passed her 3rd-degree black belt test in October 2023 and elevated to level 4 instructor giving her grading authority to 1st-degree black belt
Paul began training in Aikido Yoshinkai in January 2004. Paul achieved his 3rd-degree black belt in August 2014. In addition to Aikido, Paul holds a black belt in Kenpo Karate and is an avid hockey player. Paul holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Sacramento. Paul has been an instrumental part of the dojo. He attended all seminars with Amos Parker Shihan and has traveled to Canada, Japan, and other US cities to participate in training and public demonstrations. He holds a level 4 instructor grading from the AYF honbu dojo giving him grading authority to 1st-degree black belt.
The chief technical advisor and mentor to the Seikeikan dojo was Amos Lee Parker, 9th DAN Shihan. Parker Sensei graciously accepted his first invitation to Orangevale in July 2000 and accepted Miranda Sensei as his student. During that time, Parker Sensei has made yearly visits to the Seikeikan dojo to teach and refine the techniques being taught and practiced. In addition to his yearly visit(s), members of the Seikeikan dojo traveled around North America and the Middle East to assist and continue their training under the watchful eye of Parker Sensei. In August of 2013, Parker Shihan passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Houston, Texas.
Life interrupts training and causes students and instructors to take a break from their training. Work, health, Military Service, and college, among them. Here at Seikeikan, we have instructors who, while not practicing full-time, continue to be devoted to the dojo. We are grateful for their continued support.