Founded in 1997, Aikido of Westchester is a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation and is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai) in Japan.
Our aim is to preserve and share the traditional practice of Aikido as taught by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, while providing a welcoming place for people of all experience levels to train and grow.
L to R: Sylvie Firestone, Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, Douglas Firestone.
Douglas Firestone
Founder & Chief Instructor · 7th Dan, Shihan
Douglas Firestone is the founder and chief instructor of Aikido of Westchester. A full-time professional Aikido teacher, he is accredited by the United States Aikido Federation and Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Japan.
Douglas began his Aikido training in Los Angeles in 1981 under Rev. Kensho Furuya and went on to establish City Aikido of Los Angeles in 1991. In 1993, he joined New York Aikikai as an uchi deshi (live-in student), where he trained closely with Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan and Seiichi Sugano Shihan, both direct students of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.
Douglas continues to teach weekly at New York Aikikai, the headquarters of the United States Aikido Federation. In 1997, he and his wife, Sylvie, founded Aikido of Westchester, where he teaches throughout the week.
In addition to Aikido, Douglas teaches Japanese swordsmanship (Battōdō), including Toyama Ryu Battōdō and the curricula of the Zen Nihon Battōdō Renmei and US Battōdō Federation.
Sylvie Firestone
Founder & Senior Instructor · 6th Dan, Shidoin
Sylvie Firestone began her Aikido training at New York Aikikai in 1994, where she studied under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan and Seiichi Sugano Shihan. She has continued to deepen her practice over the years through regular training with senior instructors, including Douglas, and through seminars throughout the United States and abroad.
Sylvie and Douglas founded Aikido of Westchester in 1997. She remains dedicated to her own practice and to helping students develop their Aikido through thoughtful, consistent training.
INSTRUCTORS
Neal J. Earhart, 5th Dan, Shidoin
Neal started aikido in 1988 with James Walsh sensei of Aikido of Delaware Valley. He then joined the New York Aikikai when he moved to New York in 1990, and eventually joined Aikido of Westchester in 2008.
Known for his extensive aikido t-shirt collection, Neal also practices the art of Sogetsu Ikebana. He continues to attend seminars held by senior aikido instructors and shihan, striving for continuous improvement of his skills and understanding of the art.
David Katz, 5th Dan,
Shidoin
David started practicing aikido at the New York Aikikai in 1996. He brings to his teaching a love for aikido’s circular movement, aikido’s philosophy of caring for others and joy in practice.
David began his study of martial arts in 1971 under professor Harvey I. Sober, Tora Dojo Martial Arts Association, and received his black belt in 1983. He also studied iaido with sensei Phil Ortiz, of the New York Budokai and t'ai chi ch'uan with Herman Kauz sensei.
IN MEMORIAM 1964-2023
Peter Gundy, 4th Dan
Fukushidoin
Peter was introduced to aikido in 1998 by Yahe Solomon sensei and has been training at Aikido of Westchester since 1999. What he admires most about aikido is its dynamic techniques and emphasis on self-awareness. His practice reflects the generous instruction he received during many visits to dojos around the world, covering over a dozen countries so far.
An avid long-distance runner and exercise enthusiast, Peter enjoys a brisk pace and intensity in his practice. As an instructor, he keeps his classes lively, emphasizing basics, sound ukemi, and authentic practice.
Ivan Guerra, 4th Dan
Fukushidoin
Ivan began his martial arts training in jujutsu in 1986. Throughout the years, Ivan was fortunate to learn from several good teachers who conveyed their enthusiasm and passion for the martial arts. Having earned the rank of sandan in jujutsu, and shodan in judo, he eventually joined Aikido of Westchester 2002.
Known for his tenacious demeanor on the mat, Ivan is a dedicated father, a long time professional educator and a volunteer certified Emergency medical technician.
Joe Giardina, 3rd Dan
Fukushidoin
Joe first started practicing aikido in 2006 when he joined Aikido of Westchester. An avid practitioner, Joe loves to work with students that share his passion for the art, and understand its power, beauty, simplicity, and complexity. “Every time you step on the mat there is something new to learn; about the art, about your partner, and about yourself, a positive learning experience that you can apply to all aspects of your life”.
Joe’s other passions are: Family, travel, books, food and drink, guitar, and languages. He is a firm believer in the “good life”.
Nick DeLillo, 3rd Dan
Nick began Aikido in 1995 studying Tomiki aikido under senseis Katsuo Watanabe and his son Junichiro, receiving a 1st dan. He joined Aikido of Westchester in 2002 where he earned 1st and 2nd dan grades under Douglas Firestone shihan. Nick also holds a 1st dan in shotokan karate and a brown belt in judo.
Nick brings a joyful energy to both his practice and his teaching of students young and old. He believes aikido is not just an effective martial art but therapy for the soul. He is convinced that Kung Fu Panda is the greatest martial art movie of all time.
Robert Groce, 3rd Dan
Robert started aikido at Aikido of Westchester in March of 2002. Through aikido he has also developed a love for the Japanese sword. He began practicing Muso Shinden Ryu with Firestone sensei in 2005. Since then he has received dan ranks in two Iaido federations. He currently holds the rank of 2nd dan in US Federation of Batto Do, and a dan rank in Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido.
Robert brings a joyful approach to his practice. You will often hear him laughing as he works through the techniques with his partner on the mat.
IN MEMORIAM 1969-2019
Pat Dougherty, 3rd Dan
Pat began his formal study of aikido in 1996 at the New York Aikikai, under the instruction of Yoshimitsu Yamada and Seiichi Sugano Shihans. After training for a brief time from 2002-2004 under Susan Wolk and Todd Martin in Massachusetts, Pat returned to the New York Aikikai until he joined Aikido of Westchester in 2008, where he earned his dan ranks.
Settling into his role as a dedicated instructor, Pat believes that aikido is a lifelong practice that can produce great strength, balance, and joy.