Remembering Sensei 10 Years After His Passing

I first encountered Richard Stickles Sensei back when I was transitioning out of Judo, looking for a new dojo, teacher, and art to study. I had read about his reputation as a 7th Dan Shihan and Chief Instructor at Aikido Schools of New Jersey, under the aegis of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan and the United States Aikido Federation. Beyond his respected position within the USAF, the web was filled with testimonies of a man who taught with humility, wisdom, and a calm but powerful presence. Even so, no internet search could fully prepare me for the deep warmth he radiated from the first moment I stepped onto his mat.

When I—still fairly green and fueled by equal parts excitement and nerves - visited his dojo, Stickles Sensei greeted me like an old friend. He asked about my background, and I mentioned that I had trained in various dojos and was slowly shaping my approach to martial arts study. In return, he spoke about his own early years of practice, including his time spent learning under top Aikido masters around the world. Though I had come prepared to learn from a “big name,” I discovered that he was as approachable as any teacher I’d ever met—someone who genuinely saw potential in every student who stood before him, from brand-new beginners to those of us well along our black belt paths.

A memorable moment occurred at one of Stickles Sensei’s weekend classes. We had spent an entire morning drilling basic techniques—shomenuchi iriminage, katatedori ikkyo, and other fundamentals that can become rote unless infused with fresh insight. He gathered the group around and emphasized that in Aikido, the “basics” are actually the heart of the art. He revealed how, even after decades of practice and teaching, he found something new each time he circled back to foundational moves. His words reminded me of my own journey—my continual rediscovery of technique, balanced with my professional background, where the value of structure and fundamentals resonates just as strongly.

One anecdote still makes me smile. Stickles Sensei was demonstrating a simple kokyunage during a demonstration. I was uke (training partner), and, hoping to show my commitment, I rushed in a bit too eagerly. In a flash, he redirected my momentum so gently that it took me a moment to realize I was on the ground. The whole dojo fell quiet. Then he gave me a sympathetic grin and said, “Always remember, Reuven: it’s not just about your energy—it's about blending with your partner’s moment.” The room erupted in laughter, but the lesson was profound: Aikido is not about overpowering; it’s about harmonizing, regardless of how assertive your partner (or any challenge) may be.

In our conversations off the mat, Stickles Sensei often shared glimpses of his early practice, describing the influence of senior instructors who inspired him to create a serious, yet positive and welcoming environment at his dojo. He believed Aikido should remain open, accessible, and a vehicle for cultivating compassion. More than once, he asked me about my own experiences teaching or managing the dynamics of a dojo community. It was like chatting with a patient mentor who could seamlessly merge the spiritual and technical elements of our art.

I loved how he saw Aikido as part of a broader, holistic way of life—something that resonated with my background as well. He never pressured anyone to adopt his personal beliefs; rather, he embodied the art’s underlying principles. Students came from all walks of life, drawn to his authenticity and the sense that they could be safe and challenged all at once. Whether you were an office worker, a college student, a professional in healthcare (like me), or a full-time martial artist, Stickles Sensei found a way to share an aspect of Aikido that spoke directly to you.

When the world around us felt chaotic—be it from personal struggles, global events, or the rapid pace of modern life—Stickles Sensei brought us back to center. He reminded us that Aikido is more than a series of techniques: it is a conscious decision to practice harmony in all we do. Even in his quiet corrections—often as subtle as repositioning your foot—he showed how each small shift can lead to monumental changes in your martial art and your outlook.

The loss of Stickles Sensei continues to leave a gap in our community and our hearts. I know that for many of us, the dojo may feel a bit quieter, the air a bit heavier. Yet, in mourning, I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for every piece of wisdom he so freely shared.

He taught us not to be slaves to perfection but to strive for growth, kindness, and compassion in our training and in our personal lives.

I hope that in remembering Stickles Sensei, we honor the beautiful simplicity he embodied: to greet each attack, challenge, or person with open arms, ready to harmonize rather than resist. For me, and for countless others he guided, this is the truest embodiment of what he stood for.

To that end, I make this commitment: I will do my part to pass on the spirit he cultivated, ensuring Aikido remains a path of sincere care and mutual respect. While my own teaching style might differ in certain nuances, I will always carry with me his lessons: the patient, thoughtful emphasis on basics, and the encouragement to practice love and empathy—even in a martial setting.

My wish is that the memory of Richard Stickles Sensei be a blessing to all who knew him, all who learned from him—directly or indirectly—and all who encounter Aikido in the future. May we each, in our own way, embody the warmth of his example. May his dedication, humor, humility, and unwavering kindness continue to guide us. And may we, together, hold up the promise he believed in so deeply: that by sharing Aikido’s principles of harmony and compassion, we keep his legacy alive for generations to come.

Rest well, Stickles Sensei. We will continue the work you began, always seeking to spread Aikido’s light in the spirit you so generously modeled for us. May your memory remain a blessing in our hearts, and may we honor it every time we step onto the mat—united in the art you loved and shared with the world.