Michael Aloia - Dojo Cho Aloia Sensei enjoys the fluidity of aikido and focuses on the technical and martial aspects of the art. He has studied various forms and styles to better cultivate an understanding of applications.  Aloia Sensei believes Aikido encompasses all the arts and is the vehicle by which a martial artist truly becomes well rounded.  Sensei also works as a Personal Trainer and artist. He is featured in both the Aikido - an art in motion DVD series and Essential Defense System DVD series and is the author of the book How Aikido Can Change the World and co-author of Rescuer Mindset. Sensei works with several area organizations including Operational Medicine Research Group and the Pottstown Guardian Angels Chapter as a patrolling member and currently serves as the Chapter’s Trainer.  Aloia Sensei currently holds the rank of Gondan and is also a recognized yudansha at Aikido World Headquarters – Hombu Dojo – Japan.

Pamela Aloia - Sensei Cho Pamela appreciates the dynamic, yet simple movement and blending aspects of aikido and focuses on centering and body movement in aikido. Pam has also studied other forms and styles. Pam enjoys the chance to help others learn and in turn, learns through teaching. Pam is certified in several energy and therapeutic modalities which she practices at her energy center Sol Angel.  Pamela is features in the DVDs The Perfect Storm - a Women in Aikido and the Aikido - an art in motion series and the author of the book 52 Pick Me Up and co-author of Rescuer Mindset.  Aloia Sensei currently holds the rank of Sandan.

Tim Cormican Tim holds the rank of Nidan, and has been active in aikido since 2002. He appreciates the harmony and blending of the movements in the art. Tim has also spent time studying both Shotokan Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

Brian M. Swiderski has studied aikido since 1998 and holds a rank of Nidan. Brian believes that aikido is an effective method of meditation in motion, in that the art allows its practitioners to hone physical skill while developing mental clarity.

Jerry Poole, Assistant Instructor, received most of his martial training playing NCAA Division I football in the early 1980’s. He has always been fascinated by the aesthetic and effectiveness of Aikido. It was only recently that he was able to turn that fascination into reality by training at Asahikan. He feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to train with and learn from Aloia Sensei. He has trained at Asahikan Dojo since 2004 and has successfully tested at the level of Shodan.

Cheri Poole - Children’s Instructor/ Dojo Uneisha
Cheri has been studying aikido under the direction of Aloia Sensei since 2004. Having had no previous martial art experience, Cheri finds the art of Aikido both empowering and challenging. She embraces the fluidity of the movements and finds herself continually striving to learn from those around her. Cheri spends her time outside the dojo working in various volunteer capacities and being a full time wife and mother to three boys, all of whom study at Asahikan. Cheri is Shodan.

Dillon Poole - Assistant
Dillon has been training since 2004. He is a former participant in the ASA Kenshu Keiko (intensive training) Program under the supervision of Aloia Sensei.
Dillon is Shodan

Class Instruction Demonstration

Mudansha Instructors