Instructors
Josh Paul Sensei
Head Instructor
Josh Paul Sensei is KZA’s head instructor. He has practiced aikido for more than 25 years. He was the dojo-cho and head instructor at Aikido of South Brooklyn from 2011-2025.
Josh Sensei teaches aikido to all ages. Through his organization Mind Body Arts and others, he periodically teaches aikido in NYC public schools and elsewhere, bringing aikido to elementary and high school students, students with autism and other unique needs, and at-risk teenagers. As a member of the Aikido World Alliance’s (AWA) National Technical Committee, Josh Sensei also frequently teaches at national and international aikido seminars.
Josh Sensei’s love of aikido began at Jikishinkan Aikido Dojo, Brooklyn, NY, with Joseph Jarman Sensei and others. He is now a long-time direct student of Andrew Sato Shihan, nanadan (seventh-degree black belt), head instructor of the AWA. (Shihan is a title meaning “master teacher'' or “teacher of teachers.”)
Josh Sensei is a godan (fifth-degree black belt) and shihan dai (“associate shihan”). He is also a shodan (black belt) in shindo muso ryu jodo, a classical Japanese martial art of staff and sword, a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, and co-founder of The Brooklyn Classical Guitar Society. Off the mat, Josh Sensei is a parent, freelance writer, classical guitarist, and yoga practitioner.
Stephanie Flores Sensei
Dojo-cho
Stephanie Sensei is the KZA dojo-cho, and oversees the dojo’s day-to-day operations. She has more than 20 years of aikido experience, and previously trained with Josh Sensei at Aikido of South Brooklyn. She is a fourth-degree black belt (yondan) and an AWA-certified instructor. Off the mat, she is an executive at the Hallmark Channel and interested in meditative practices. Find out more about Stephanie Sensei and her aikido in this interview.
Favorite O’sensei quote: Instructors can impart only a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of the Art of Peace are brought to life.
Greg Squared Sensei
Greg has been studying aikido for nearly 20 years. He is a sandan (third-degree black belt), and teaches youth and adult classes. He has also worked with IMPACT Self Defense. Off the mat, Greg is a parent, talented musician, and woodworker, and he just launched his own cabinetry and turning/carving company called Great Circles Woodworking. He built the dojo’s shomen and our weapons' rack. Find out more about Greg's aikido in this issue of our newsletter.
Favorite O’sense quote: "There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contest with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within."
Filipe Perez
Filipe brings nearly a decade of aikido experience to the mat. He has studied both aikido and Godo ryu aikijujutsu, and holds the rank of shodan (black belt) in both. Filipe is a certified AWA instructor. He approaches aikido as a form of self-defense, and as a spiritual path for letting go of negative energy, and keeping an open mind. Off the mat, Filipe is a master locksmith, and security systems contractor.
Avi Kaplan
Avi began studying aikido with Josh Sensei at the age 10. He earned shodan in 2021, and is among Josh Sensei’s oldest students.