Matt Fluty Sensei began Aikido training in 1990 in Stockton, CA under the instruction of John Smartt Sensei. From 1991 to 1995 Matt was engaged in a rigorous teacher apprenticeship program that was made available to committed students who endeavored to share their passion and understanding of Aikido through teaching. At the heart of the teacher apprenticeship program was the mission to develop responsible teachers who in addition to having a deep knowledge of Aikido practice, were able to express and exemplify the core principles of Aikido though their actions, on and off the mat. Throughout his apprenticeship, Matt engaged daily in a myriad of Aikido and Aikido-related practices including keiko (training on the mat), the study of Aikido history, philosophy and cosmology, as well as meditation and healing arts. After a period of four years of deep immersion that culminated in the completion of his teacher apprenticeship, Matt was awarded a teaching certification from Smartt Sensei. In 1995, Matt relocated to Sacramento, California and created a dojo that is today The Aikido Center. Since becoming a full time Aikido sensei, Matt has had the great opportunity to practice Aikido not only as a personal endeavor, but also as a leader of a community of people aspiring to make manifest the profound principles of Aikido as taught by Ueshiba Morihei O Sensei. Matt Sensei continues to practice both home and abroad with many accomplished Aikido Sensei, including Peter Shapiro Sensei of Bern, Switzerland, Anno Motomichi Sensei and Tasaka Mitsuo Shihan of the Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu, Japan, the dojo of the late Hikitsuchi Michio Sensei 10th Dan. Matt Fluty is the dojo-cho and chief instructor of The Aikido Center. He has been a full time Aikido instructor since 1994, and currently holds the Aikido rank of Yondan. He and his wife Theresa reside in Lake Tahoe, California with their two cats, Guinan and Sai, and their dog Lucca. Aside from Aikido, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors, interfacing with the myriad life forms in nature. He and Lucca can often times be found, or rather not found, exploring the mountains and lakes surrounding Lake Tahoe.

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Theresa Fluty SenseiTheresa Fluty Sensei has been practicing Aikido for seventeen years. She began at New School Aikido in Stockton, CA and holds the rank of sandan (third degree black belt). Theresa is the co-owner and caretaker of The Aikido Center. Theresa is passionate about leading the dojo community in the loving protection of all beings, which is why she chooses to teach Aikido to kids. She has traveled to Japan with her husband Matt to train at Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu. Theresa enjoys cooking, reading and taking walks with her husband and their dog, Lucca.

Rose Giudicessi began her practice of Aikido here at the Aikido Cetner in 1998, and currently holds the rank of shodan (first degree blackbelt). Having two children of her own who have trained in both the kids and teen classes, she has seen first-hand how this practice helps to develop the self confidence, self awareness and compassion that reside with in each child. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach the children of the dojo community and looks forward to watching and guiding these amazing kids in their Aikido practice.

2417 21st Street Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 456-5641 mfluty@theaikidocenter.com