Frederic C. Rowell (b. 5/4/35)
Fifth Degree Black Belt

is Senior Instructor and co-owner of Aikido of Diablo Valley. He was a Ranger in the United States Army and holds a Black Belt in Judo. He started training in Aikido in 1962 as one of the earliest members of the New York Aikikai. He trained first with Ohara Sensei and then with Yamada Sensei upon Yamada Sensei's arrival from Japan.

Moving back to his native California in 1964, Rowell spent the next ten years presenting Aikido to the academic world. He introduced Aikido in philosophy and psychology courses at Laney College in Oakland (1969 - 1976) and at John F. Kennedy University in Orinda (1979 - 1983).

In 1981, Sensei Rowell founded Aikido of Diablo Valley in partnership with Philip Paré and Charles McCarty. His dedication, expertise, humor and heart are what have shaped the character of Aikido of Diablo Valley through the years. He continues his training with Saotome Shihan and The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Rowell is an expert with the wooden staff and sword, emphasizing the relationship of weapons to the empty-handed techniques of Aikido. The depth of his understanding and love for the weapons and the art of Aikido translates into master classes, yet beginners will find themselves fitting in comfortably and are warmly welcomed on the mat.