Raso Hultgren Sensei, Chief Instructor of Aikido of Missoula, vividly synthesizes and embodies the artistic fluidity, rigorous physicality, and metaphysical mystery of Aikido.
Raso Sensei’s Aikido journey began in 1971, taking root in the fertile, (counter)-cultural grounds of Santa Cruz under the guidance of Robert Frager Sensei.
The path eventually led her to a direct, intensive apprenticeship with Saotome Sensei, and then some years training deeply with Ikeda Sensei in Boulder.
Because of her dedication to O Sensei’s profound teachings, Saotome Sensei named her an original member of the Ueshiba Juku— “Academy of the Founder”—ennobling her with the joyous duty of carrying O-Sensei’s legacy forward into the modern era.
Raso Sensei possesses an unparalleled ability to articulate the delicate balance between serious martial intention and “grounded flamboyance”.
Before Aikido, she wove a rich tapestry of experience in the performing arts, studying theater, music, and dance. She initially felt so strongly drawn to this world that pursuing it professionally seemed like her clear and unquestionable life path.
This artistic foundation deeply informed her early attraction to Aikido, as the art’s flowing movements and focus on the “inner dimension” of life strongly appealed to her sensibilities, allowing her to explore this depth without the need for “an audience”.
Although she briefly returned to theater later on and found it exciting to re-engage that creative channel, she ultimately realized that the performing arts interfered with her true calling—Aikido and her inner spiritual path—prompting her to leave it behind and fully dedicate herself to the dojo.
I know the feeling…
It’s a genuine and incredible honor to be able to share her perspective and wisdom with you.
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