About myself

Kit Hathaway Sensei has studied Japanese budo since 1994 with her main focus being Aikido. Having trained in various styles she has earned her dan, a black belt ranking, with the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation. She is the only female in the state of Georgia to hold an international instructors certificate with AYF who is able to promote students to shodan, a 1^st degree black belt, within the AYF. In 2008, Yasuhiza Shioda Kancho gave her then dojo the name “Mitaka Dojo”. Mi means beautiful. Taka means talon or hawk and is used as the symbol of Yoshinkai Aikido. Kit Hathaway Sensei currently holds a sandan or 3^rd degree black belt rank. This was rewarded to her by Fred Haynes Shihan who holds a nanadan or 7^thdegree black belt rank. Kit Hathaway Sensei also trained in Shotokan Karate and Iaido. She is a past regional karate gold and silver medalist competing in the AAU.

In addition to budo Kit has a passion for training and teaching yoga. She has trained with many gurus and teachers and is a level one instructor with YogaFit and an ACE certified personal trainer.

Sensei Mark Williams

Mark Williams Sensei has been in martial Arts for over 25 years. He started training in Springfield, Massachusetts under Lorraine DiAnne, of Westside Aikido. After moving to Fort Myers, Florida he continued his training under the guidance of Cliff Williams a long time student of Ed Baker.

Mark Williams moved to Georgia where he started the Aikido Schools of Georgia where he is the Dojo-Cho. He currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Aikido, recognized by the World Aikido Headquarters.

Sensei Williams believes that a good sense of timing and distance is very important, as well as learning the fundamental basics. His classes are relaxed, but stern, demanding complete attention and focus from all students.

Sensei Williams taps into the natural ability of each student and then fine tunes them. His standards are higher than others and he expects more from his students. He encourages the use of Ki and movement instead of the power of muscle and force.

Mark Williams has also had the privilege of working with other teachers such as: Michael Moreno of the American Aikikai Federation, Takashi Ishikawa of the Masasagi Kai Federation and Ed Baker.