John C. Goss, Jr.

(b. 30 November 1956). 7th dan Korindo Aikido (2005, Mikata family), 5th dan Aikikai, 4th dan karate. Professional aikido instructor. B. in Baltimore, Maryland. B.A. in Psychology from Towson University. Began studying martial arts in 1968 with formal training in KORINDO Aikido under the Mikata family in 1973. Became a direct student of Katsuyuki KONDO, Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Hombucho in 1997. Received authorization to conduct classes in mainline Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu in 1998. Traveled to Japan on several occasions to study at the AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO, the Nihon Korinkai, and mainline Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Hombu dojo. Instrumental in the dissemination of both Korindo Aikido and mainline Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu in the United States. Skilled in the use of the hanbo–the three-foot long Japanese baton–, regularly teaches and demonstrates the use of this weapon. Certified self-defense instructor for the United States Department of Defense and United States Department of Justice. Consultant to various state and local law enforcement agencies including both the Baltimore County S.W.A.T. School and Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. (Special Tactical Assault Team Element). Certified Executive Protection and Rape Crisis Self-Defense Instructor. Developed and implemented aikido programs for the Baltimore County Board of Education. Former Associate Professor of Martial Arts Instruction at Towson University. Appeared in 6th Friendship Demonstration at Aiki Expo 2002. Founder and Chief Instructor of the Aiki Martial Arts Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.