Name & location Mark J. Andrews in Omaha, NE USA Training: Styles & rank 5th kyu - Danzan Ryu Jujitsu (Do Chikara Ju Kawa, Jujitu America, 1998) 3rd kyu - Aikikai Aikido (Aikido of Monterey, California Aikido Association, 2002) Study: No rank 6 months study of Enshin Itto lyyu Batto Jutsu (Seibukan Dojo, Monterey, CA) 12 months study of Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo (SRIK USA Shibu, Omaha, NE) Occasional training in KoKoDo Jujitsu (Yosokan Dojo, Monterey, CA) Occasional training in Tikan (nee Jikishin) Jujitsu (S/SW YMCA, Omaha, NE) Other info I'm a librarian but I work in IT. The most interesting job I've had is serving as the IT manager for a mental health agency. My wife & I are foster & adoptive parents. Motivation for training I turn 49 this year and I'd like to grade up to a 1st black belt by my 60th birthday, and then start to teach. To get to that point, I am taking a slow, deliberate approach to diet & exercise; it's easier to train at 200 lbs than it is at 246 lbs, so I've got to fix that first. Impressions of martial arts practice & teaching in Omaha, NE Teaching & practice in Omaha are not as deep as I found on the Left Coast. In 4 years I've found two very good teachers here, but I'd like to think there are more than just two. I'm open to suggestions about quality instruction in this geographic area. Motto Mouth shut, eyes & ears open. I re-posted my intro as per advice from a more experienced MAPer.