Instructors
George Lyons
George Lyons Sensei began his study of Aikido in 1985 with T.K. Chiba Shihan.
In 1986, he joined the teacher’s training program and became an apprentice of Chiba Shihan.
After his intensive training with Chiba, Lyons went to Tokyo, Japan, as a live-in student in Hombu Dojo under the guidance of the late K. Ueshiba, son of the founder of Aikido.
Lyons Sensei served on the Biranaki Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009. He was also the chair of the Birankai Teacher’s Council and the examination committee from 2009 to 2014 and served on the Birankai Senior Council for 12 years.
In 2008, Chiba Sensei gave Lyons Sensei the title Shihan (master teacher). He continued to train with Chiba until his passing in 2015. Lyons currently holds the rank of 7th-degree black belt, which was presented to him by M. Ueshiba, the founder’s grandson. He has been teaching in Bucks County since 1992.
Instructors
George Lyons
George Lyons Sensei began his study of Aikido in 1985 with T.K. Chiba Shihan.
In 1986, he joined the teacher’s training program and became an apprentice of Chiba Shihan.
After his intensive training with Chiba, Lyons went to Tokyo, Japan, as a live-in student in Hombu Dojo under the guidance of the late K. Ueshiba, son of the founder of Aikido.
Lyons Sensei served on the Biranaki Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009. He was also the chair of the Birankai Teacher’s Council and the examination committee from 2009 to 2014 and served on the Birankai Senior Council for 12 years.
In 2008, Chiba Sensei gave Lyons Sensei the title Shihan (master teacher). He continued to train with Chiba until his passing in 2015. Lyons currently holds the rank of 7th-degree black belt, which was presented to him by M. Ueshiba, the founder’s grandson. He has been teaching in Bucks County since 1992.
Patti Lyons
Patti is a founding member of BCA and continues to be at the heart of all dojo training and activities. She attends most classes as either teacher or student and is always willing to help whenever she can. Her small stature and powerful technique are a source of inspiration and a constant reminder that size doesn’t matter in Aikido.
Patti’s entrepreneurial spirit founded two successful farm/businesses. After selling her first venture she started and currently owns and operates, Peace Valley Lavender Farm. She spends her spare time managing a flock of unruly chickens.
Patti is a 6th-degree black belt and Shidoin (certified instructor) at BCA. She is a natural leader and articulate teacher.
Eric Soroker
Eric started his Aikido training in 2005. The intro class was a good start for him but his interest deepened after watching an advanced class. It wasn’t love at first sight for Eric; in fact he almost gave it up at one point. But life circumstance gave him a little extra time and he decided to pour it into practice. Nineteen years later Eric is likely to be the first member you’ll meet when you come to the dojo, his perseverance is an example to everyone.
In 2010 Eric joined the kenshusei program and became an apprentice of Lyons Sensei. Eric is a 5th degree black belt and Shidoin (certified instructor).
When not in the dojo Eric builds motorcycles, and is a sculptor.
Patti Lyons
Patti is a founding member of BCA and continues to be at the heart of all dojo training and activities. She attends most classes as either teacher or student and is always willing to help whenever she can. Her small stature and powerful technique are a source of inspiration and a constant reminder that size doesn’t matter in Aikido.
Patti’s entrepreneurial spirit founded two successful farm/businesses. After selling her first venture she started and currently owns and operates, Peace Valley Lavender Farm. She spends her spare time managing a flock of unruly chickens.
Patti is a 6th-degree black belt and Shidoin (certified instructor) at BCA. She is a natural leader and articulate teacher.
Eric Soroker
Eric started his Aikido training in 2005. The intro class was a good start for him but his interest deepened after watching an advanced class. It wasn’t love at first sight for Eric; in fact he almost gave it up at one point. But life circumstance gave him a little extra time and he decided to pour it into practice. Nineteen years later Eric is likely to be the first member you’ll meet when you come to the dojo, his perseverance is an example to everyone.
In 2010 Eric joined the kenshusei program and became an apprentice of Lyons Sensei. Eric is a 5th degree black belt and Shidoin (certified instructor).
When not in the dojo Eric builds motorcycles, and is a sculptor.