Michael Sheahon promoted to seventh dan by Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters

January 2011 - The U.S. Aikido Federation and the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, have promoted Michael Sheahon Shihan (master teacher) to seventh-degree black belt.

This is Sheahon's second promotion in less than one year. The Aikikai and U.S. Aikido Federation promoted Sheahon to shihan in February 2010. Shihan is the highest professional rank awarded by the U.S. Aikido Federation and the Aikikai, which is the headquarters and parent organization for the development and expansion of aikido throughout the world. The
Aikikai, officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Only 25 people affiliated with the U.S. Aikido Federation are ranked shihan, while more than 100 hold the next highest rank, shidoin, which is a certified journeyman instructor.

Sheahon founded the Greater Hartford Aikikai, a nonprofit aikido organization based in Glastonbury, in 1994. He is the chief instructor. The Greater Hartford Aikikai is one of 168 aikido dojos in the country affiliated with the U.S. Aikido Federation, based in New York City.

Sheahon has trained 17 aikido students to ranks between first-degree black belt and fifth-degree black belt.