Monell Sensei is the school's founder and holds the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt). Until his retirement he was a member of the AWA’s Technical and Testing Committees.

Along with a black belt in Taekwondo, Monell Sensei brought to the mat over 25 years of law enforcement training with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Renat Sensei is the chief instructor and the dojo-cho of NYAA. He holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt). 

Beyond the mat, he is an avid obstacle course racer who regularly competes in elite groups across events like Spartan Race and Tough Mudder. His background in high-level physical training and endurance heavily informs his dynamic, disciplined approach to Aikdio.

Maxim Sensei holds the rank of of Yondan (4th degree black belt).

Max has been practicing Aikido since 2009, and prior that built a diverse martial arts foundation with experience in Karate-do, Judo, and Sambo.

Alex Sensei holds the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt).