Meet our Instructors
Robert Brody Sensei
Dojocho & Chief Instructor
Brody Sensei began training in Aikido in 1995 at Warminster Aikido Dōjō in Pennsylvania, a dojo within the Aikido Association of America (AAA) under the direction of Fumio Toyoda Shihan.
After founding Green Mountain Aikido while attending college in Vermont, he relocated to Connecticut in 2010 and continued his training at Yanagi Aikido Dōjō under Corey Guilbault Sensei. In 2022, he established Kongōshinkan Dōjō as an independent dojo dedicated to preserving traditional Aikido while serving the greater Norwalk community.
Brody Sensei holds the rank of Yondan (4th-degree black belt) through the Aikido Association of America. His teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, clear body mechanics, disciplined practice, and the integration of traditional martial values into everyday life.
Outside the dojo, Brody Sensei is a board-certified naturopathic physician and serves on the board of the Japan Society of Fairfield County.
Brian Lasher Sensei
Senior Student & Instructor
Brian Lasher began training in Aikido in 1991 under Gary Snyder Sensei at Columbia University. In 1993, he moved to Michigan to study under Takashi Kushida Sensei and Lisa Konko Sensei, where he completed extensive instructor training and advanced studies in both empty-hand and traditional weapons practice.
Brian holds the rank of Sandan (3rd-degree black belt) and has taught Aikido for decades in both Michigan and Connecticut. His instruction emphasizes precision, practical application, strong fundamentals, and the preservation of traditional Aikido weapons training.
Students appreciate Brian's depth of experience, technical knowledge, and thoughtful approach to teaching.
Jeff Tang
Youth & Teen Instructor
Jeff Tang began training in Aikido in 2016 at Yanagi Aikido Dōjō in Norwalk under Corey Guilbault Sensei. He joined the instructional staff of the children's program in 2018 and has remained dedicated to helping young students develop confidence, discipline, and strong fundamentals through Aikido training.
Following the establishment of Kongōshinkan Dōjō, Jeff continued his training under Brody Sensei and plays an important role in both youth and adult instruction. He holds the rank of Shodan (1st-degree black belt) and is known for his patience, consistency, and supportive teaching style.
Jeff is passionate about helping students discover the lifelong benefits of martial arts training while contributing to the welcoming community that defines the dojo.