LINDA HOLIDAY

Linda Holiday Sensei founded and leads Aikido of Santa Cruz. With over 45 years of dedication to Aikido, she is a prominent teacher in the Western Aikido community and the author of “Journey to the Heart of Aikido: The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei.” She began her Aikido journey in 1970 at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and in 1973, moved to Japan to train under direct students of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. She was among the first Westerners to live and train in the Kumano area, deepening her understanding of Aikido’s physical and spiritual aspects.

After returning to the U.S., Linda continued her academic pursuits, earning degrees in Japanese and Chinese Studies and East Asian Studies. She taught Aikido at UCSC and later established a community dojo in Santa Cruz in 1982. As executive director and chief instructor, she has significantly contributed to promoting Aikido locally and internationally.

Linda has maintained a lifelong connection with her mentor, Motomichi Anno Sensei, and has been influenced by many prominent Aikido teachers, both in Japan and the U.S. Her teaching style emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect, reflecting her diverse training background. A respected member of the California Aikido Association, she continues to teach and inspire students globally, drawing from the teachings of Aikido’s founder.