Open Sky Martial Arts Instructors excel in teaching Aikido and Tai Chi.

Open Sky Aikido and Tai Chi teachers are experienced, advanced teachers.  They give individual attention during class. Open Sky emphasizes a safe, grounded and enjoyable practice for beginning and advanced martial arts students.

	Andy Wood, Nidan, Fukushidoin, teaches adult and children’s Aikido and weapons. He has a 2nd degree black belt rank and Fukushidoin teaching certificate in Aikido. Andy administers the nonprofit scholarship program for children at Open Sky. He owns Wood Construction Co. He has two children who study Aikido at Open Sky.
	Jason Widener, Nidan, teaches Tai Chi and adult Aikido at Open Sky. He also teaches Tai Chi at UNC-Wilmington. Jason is co-teaching Aikido for children at Central Park School. Jason has a 2nd degree black belt rank in Aikido. He is a former pro golfer and college coach. He continues to give private lessons.
	Katie Haywood, Sandan, has been with Open Sky since our first year and has been teaching the Sunday afternoon mixed-level class since 2000. She also offers private lessons. Beginners and students preparing for kyu tests are encouraged to attend her class. Katie has a 3rd degree black belt rank in Aikido. Outside the dojo, she works as a freelance publishing professional.
	Jesse Kaufmann, Nidan, has a 2nd degree black belt rank in Aikido and is the school administrator. Her teaching experience includes nine years as an  instructor of children’s aikido, ten years as an instructor in children’s after-school programs, and six years as a humane educator for children at the Animal Protection Society in Chapel Hill. She has also taught painting at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro.