Started practicing aikido in May of 1980, began teaching in September of 1981, and became chief instructor of Central Illinois Aikikai in September of 1994. He says that practically all of his aikido training has been "traditional", that is to say, many hours of hard practice with little or no tangible rewards, and innumerable intangible ones. Knut was promoted to 5th dan, shidoin, in 2007.

Rick began practicing aikido in January 1984, and currently holds the rank of nidan. He has been one of the principal instructors of the introductory class since its inception, and currently teaches both a beginners session and a regular class on Wednesday evenings. Rick is a University of Illinois graduate, working in marketing and public relations in the College of Engineering. He lives in Urbana with his wife, Carrie, and is currently pursuing a masters' degree in education.

Nancy B. has been practicing aikido since 1992 and holds the rank of shodan. She finds that aikido is good exercise and helps her concentrate better at work and in other sports she does. She currently teaches one intermediate class a week.