Instructors
 

Jason Tucker

Head Instructor / Dojo Cho

 
Jason Tucker is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) with the Mid-America Aikido Federation.

Jason began his martial arts training in 1990.  In 1996 he started studying the art of Aikido.  His early Aikido training (1996 to 2002) started while a student at the University of Minnesota where he was an active member (including 2 years as club president) of the Aikikai Aikido Club on campus.

In 2003 he began studying under Michael Ellefson of the Midwest Center for Movement in Hudson Wisconsin, and continues his training under Ellefson Sensei to this day.

As Ellefson Sensei says: "Jason is known for his dry, dry,...did I mention dry(?) sense of humor, and excellent Aikido technique."

Everyone who has spent time with Jason has noticed his constantly calm manor, his frequent humor, and analytical study of the world around him.

With Jason’s technical nature he quickly recognizes the science in his Aikido.   He balances that with dedicated attention to the flowing movement, and connection between people that has made Aikido famous.

Jason spends his days working as a Process Engineer.  He makes his home in Marshfield with his wife, daughter, and son.

Michael Ellefson

Chief Instructor

Mike is a Yondan (4th degree black belt) with the Mid-America Aikido Federation.  .  

Mike approaches Aikido from both the martial and spiritual aspects. His techniques are known for being extremely effective and at the same time soft and relaxed. He began his Aikido training in 1989 studying Aikikai Aikido for many years before affiliating with Bill Sosa Sensei (1934-2002, Founder of the International Aikido Association) and strives to continue the Aikido that Sosa Sensei put forth. 

Mike founded the Harmonious Sphere Martial Arts Academy in Fargo, ND in 1995. He then founded the Warrior's Cove program in 1997.  He currently teaches Aikido at his MCFM Aikido Dojo in Hudson, WI and is Chief Instructor over Aikido dojos in Burnsville, MN; West St. Paul, MN; Minneapolis, MN; Marshfield, WI; and Wausau, WI.

From 2001-2006 Mike was an Ad-hoc Professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the Health and Human Performance Department instructing for credit Aikido and Self Defense classes. Mike travels extensively teaching self-defense courses to businesses and organizations and also providing P.A.C.T. (Police Aikido Control Tactics) training to various law enforcement groups.

Along with his Aikido training Mike has studied many martial arts.  He holds a 2nd degree black-belt in Ryukyu Kempo Karate, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Rigan Machado and holds rank in Judo, Shinbudo Crosstraining, and Shotokan Karate. Mike continuously studies Japanese swordsmanship and uses the katana as a foundation of Aikido movement.

Mike makes his home in North Hudson, WI with his wife and two daughters.