Our Instructors

Roderick Johnson started practicing Aikido under Henry Smith Sensei more than 15 years ago and holds the rank of Yondan, or 5th degree black belt. He was one of the most loyal and talented practitioners under Henry Smith Sensei. He assumed the role of Chief Instructor in August 2013. In continuing the legacy of Smith Sensei, he seeks to foster an environment in which the essence of Aikido assists individuals in unlocking and releasing their life’s energy. Johnson Sensei is also a licensed social worker and therapist in the state of Pennsylvania and uses what he has learned from Aikido’s principles in his daily interactions with his clients to serve the Philadelphia community.