in the Memory of
Steven Williams Sensei
Williams Sensei (4th Dan) began his training in Aikido in 1976 under Paul Crosscaratt Sensei, as a birthday present to himself. In the mid-80's, after Paul Sensei's death, he became a principal at Superstition Aikido in Arizona. In 1991, he opened his own dojo, Aikido Koki, later renamed Desert Wind Aikido.
Williams Sensei was an accomplished and patient teacher who always strove to teach his students to "close the opening" and "take up the slack." His sense of humor contributed to making his classes enjoyable learning experiences. The people who trained at Desert Wind became a very close knit group, mostly because Williams Sensei encouraged them to "train in a spirit of joy" and taught them to be as responsible for each other as they were for themselves. Former students would often return to visit and train whenever they were in town.
Williams Sensei was a most generous and gracious person giving so selflessly to his students, family and friends. During the slowest of times at the dojo he continued to share his knowledge when it cost more for him to teach, then for his students to study. The moment after Williams Sensei passed, two origami samurai helmets were placed on him as it was said, "for the Samurai". Williams Sensei embodied the true sprit of the samurai both in his life and death. Thank you Steven and may God bless you.