Robert Mustard Sensei began his Yoshinkan Aikido training under Takeshi Kimeda Sensei (8th Dan) over 25 years ago. After achieving the level of sandan (3rd degree black belt), he left Toronto to continue his study at the Yoshinkan Aikido Honbu Dojo (headquarters) in Tokyo.

In 1987, Mustard completed the intense 9-month "Senshusei" training course which is mandatory training for the Tokyo Riot Police and Honbu Dojo instructors. As a direct result of his determination and focus in this grueling training, he was among the first foreigners ever to receive the award for best performance at the annual All-Japan Yoshinkan Demonstration.

For more than 10 years he trained as a direct student of Soke Gozo Shioda founder of Yoshinkan Aikido; Takafumi Takeno Sensei, 8th Dan; and Tsutomu Chida Sensei, 8th Dan. In 1991 Mustard Sensei was appointed Itaku Shidoin by Shioda Kancho and remained the Chief Foreign Instructor at the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo until he moved back to Canada in 1995.

Today he is recognized worldwide as being among the very best Yoshinkan Aikido practitioners and instructors. When he isn't conducting clinics at aikido dojos all over the world, or taking Uke and translating for the most senior Yoshinkan instructors in the world, like Shioda Kancho, Chida Sensei, Takeno Sensei and Nakano Sensei, he is instructing classes in his own dojo located in Burnaby, B.C. Canada. This is where he now lives with his wife Carol and daughter Emily.

Robert Mustard Sensei teaches virtually all classes at Aikido Yoshinkai Burnaby.

Scheduling a Clinic with Robert Mustard Sensei:
Robert Mustard is always willing to accommodate invitations to have him conduct Yoshinkan Aikido seminars at other martial arts dojos. If your dojo is interested in inviting Mustard Sensei to conduct a clinic or exhibition, please have your Chief Instructor contact him directly via email at burnaby@aikido.ca or call him at the dojo: 604-786-2334.

Instructor: Farshad Ardestani, 2nd Dan

Farshad began his training in Yoshinkan aikido in early 2002 shortly after his arrival in Canada from his native Iran. He regularly trained five days a week and earned his shodan rank in under two years. After two more years of deligent training, he was promoted to nidan (2nd degree, black belt) in November 2005. His dedication to aikido and loyalty to Mustard Sensei has been exemplary to all those who train at Aikido Yoshinkai Burnaby and to visiting students alike. As Mustard Sensei's most senior and gifted student, Farshad now regularly teaches two classes a week, assists with the kids' classes, and assumes all teaching responsibilities while Mustard Sensei is away conducting seminars out of town.

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Last Updated: 31-Mar-2007
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