Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, Shihan Founder & Chief Instructor of Aikido Delaware Aikikai, Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, was born in Iwakuni, Japan and is the eldest son of Bishop & Mrs. Eisho Okimura. Okimura Shihan began his Aikido study in 1963, and received his 1st Dan in 1968 from Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba. He currently holds rank as a 7th Dan certified instructor. The present Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the founder, and Okimura Shihan studied under Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, son of the founder, at Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo. Okimura Shihan has been a head Aikido instructor in both Japan and Hawaii. He has taught Aikido in Europe as well as throughout the United States. Okimura Shihan is also a Shingon Buddhist priest and has served under Bishop Eisho Okimura after attaining priesthood at Mt. Koya Monastery in Wakayama, Japan. Okimura Shihan brings great technical and spiritual depth to the students of the ADA organization. Okimura Shihan holds Baccalaureate degrees in Education and Religion.

Dr. Zohreh Soofi Reporting directly to Rev. Zenko N. Okimura Shihan, Dr. Zohreh Soofi is the Primary Assistant Instructor at Aikido Delaware Aikikai. Zohreh Soofi Sensei hails from a lineage that includes her attorney/human rights activist Father, and her Mother who is descended from nobility. Zohreh Soofi Sensei began her Aikido study in 1995 under Okimura Shihan, and currently holds a Sandan Fuku Shidoin (3rd degree Black Belt) instructors rank. Zohreh Soofi Sensei has directly assisted Okimura Shihan in instruction of both the adult and the children's classes; she has worked with Shihan throughout the continental United States and in Hawaii. She accompanied Okimura Shihan to Hombu Dojo (Headquarters) in Tokyo where he received his 7th Dan rank from the current Doshu, head of Aikido World Headquarters, and grandson of the Aikido founder. She holds an advanced degree in education, which gives her a distinct advantage as the Head Instructor (since 1998) of the Aikido Kids program at the ADA Dojo. This program includes not only the physical martial art of Aikido, but also exposure to a multi-cultural environment, as well as discussions with her students about how to grow and develop into respected and productive citizens. Prior to her long path on Aikido, Zohreh Soofi Sensei, studied Karate for nearly a decade, and achieved a dan rank in that martial art. Despite her experience in other martial arts, Zohreh Soofi Sensei has dedicated her life to teaching the art and peaceful values that are at the heart of Aikido.