Sensei Damon Apodaca

Newport Aikido, formally "Newport Aikikai," was founded in 1994 by Sensei Damon Apodaca, 5th degree black belt (Go Dan). Apodaca Sensei initially trained in Aikido with Masahilo Nakazono, Shihan, in Santa Fe, NM. Sensei Apodaca later joined the Navy, moving to San Diego, CA. After his enlistment, Sensei Apodaca was an uchi deshi under T.K. Chiba, Shihan.

Sensei Apodaca also studied under Morihiro Saito Shihan receiving two instructor certifications in Iwama Weapons. Sensei Apodaca also trained in Iwama with Saito Shihan.

Having trained extensively under three of O Sensei Ueshiba’s direct students, and through sacrifice, Sensei Apodaca was able to establish rich and authentic Aikido training in Rhode Island.

In 2007, Sensei Apodaca moved back to New Mexico leaving Newport Aikikai in the hands of his most senior student, Sensei Jay Carvalho.