Erwin Lares started aikido in 1994 with Emmanuel Herzog shihan and Nelson Requena shihan in Caracas, Venezuela. After relocating to the Midwest in 2002, he rediscovered aikido, first with Von Glockner sensei in Rockford, IL, and finally with Leonard sensei in Harvard, IL, with whom he has trained for the last 15 years.

Over the years, Lares sensei has traveled extensively to various dojos and organizations to train with different aikido practitioners. He is dedicated to improving his skills and gaining new experiences by embracing the lessons offered by diverse people and perspectives.

Lares sensei holds a 3rd degree black belt from Hombu Dojo, Japan.

Scott Johnson began learning aikido in 2002 with MIT's Kokikai club in Cambridge, MA, under David Comi, Jay Rifkin, and EBeth Haley. After four years he moved to New Orleans for graduate school and started and led the Tulane University aikido club. Over the next decade, he traveled for work and practiced for extended periods with Aikikai, Seidokan, Ki Society, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, and other styles of aikido.

From 2018 to 2025, he led Edgerton Aikido, which has been folded into Capital Aikikai of Wisconsin. He travels as often as he is able to regional seminars and national camps.

Johnson sensei holds a 2nd degree black belt from Aikido Kokikai.