Due to medical concerns, Sensei Ivan and his family had to leave the United States with no expected date of return. Wanting to keep the existing students (and Aikido in general) going in Anderson - Senseis Ivan and Mike worked out a plan to allow Aikido to continue in the Upstate area. Since Sensei Mike was certified on Aikikai, not Yoshinkan, the Dojo was converted in ownership, and style to Upstate Aikido - based on the United States Aikikai Federation.

Who is Sensei Mike?

Chief Instructor Mike Lambert is an Aikido Shodan recognized by the US Aikido Federation. Sensei Lambert started his Aikido career in South Florida in 2006, under the direction of Sensei Emmanuel Herzog, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor of Aikido Miramar which is affiliated with Florida Aikikai).

Sensei Mike breifly studied other martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Southern Shoalin Kung fu, Tai Chi and others. None of them seemed to align completely with Sensei Mike's goals and focus. Once Aikido was introduced, Sensei Mike was completely committed to the art.

Sensei Mike is a husband and father of two and currently works as a freelance programmer/technologist. Previously, he was a professional musician, having played with groups such as The Spinners, Tavares, Tony Bennett, and many others. For a brief time, Sensei Mike was a private pilot.