John Brinsley has practiced Aikido since 1991, primarily in Tokyo at Aikikai Hombu Dojo under the direction of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, following mainly T. Miyamoto sensei. He returned to Los Angeles from Japan in June 2013 and is the Chief Instructor of Aikido Daiwa in Burbank, CA. He has served as the chair of the Birankai North America Teacher's Council and directed its national Examination Committee.