Bio 

Craig O'Connor founded the Two Rock Aikido kids program in 2003, with the leadership of Richard Strozzi-Heckler Sensei, as part of a larger offering of adult Aikido classes.  Craig holds the rank of sandan, 3rd degree black belt, in Aikido, and has background in both Goju and Kempo Karate.  He began his Aikido training in 1992 under the direction of Dennis Tatoian Sensei.  Since that time, he has studied with many teachers in the Bay Area, visited several dojos in the United States, and studied as a live in student with Morihiro Saito Shihan at the Ibaraki Aikido Dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Shown here in front of the Aiki Shrine, Ibaraki Prefecture, Iwama Japan.

"My motivation in teaching martial arts to kids is to help them be safer within our community.   I try and do this in such a way as to encourage awareness, fitness, self control, confidence, discipline, and respect ... while at the same time creating a community kids enjoy and are proud to be a part of."

Craig's son and daughter also participate regularly in the classes.  He currently works in the computer field as a data architect for a software company, and owns and operates a freelance photography business.