Tony Blomert

Tony Blomert (1956 - present) is a true American Aikidoka. He was first introduced to Aikido as a college freshman over four decades ago, and still lives "the way of aiki" by practicing the principles in his everyday life.

He began his martial studies in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (1974), and received his first dan (black belt) ranking in 1978. In 1976, while still a kyu-ranked student, he was asked to co-instruct the Aikido section of "An Introduction to the Martial Arts" (an accredited curriculum at Los Angeles Valley College) with his mentor, Dr. Lynn Lomen. This instructional exposure inspired his avocation of helping others learn the Aiki way.

A serious student of budo, his experience instructing others inspired his writing "The Aikidoka's World" blog from 2010-2013, and his book "An Open Secret: A Student's Handbook for Learning Aikido Techniques of Self-Defense and the Aiki Way". He also regularly contributes to the international Aikido forum, www.aikiweb.com.

Tony grew up in the Hollywood hills of Los Angeles, and became immersed in the fine arts and entertainment industries at an early age. He credits a great deal of his diversified interest on the many wonderful and talented individuals that were part of his youth. He followed his father's footsteps with a brief career in the music industry after graduating from Hollywood High School, but was determined to take a different path.

After earning a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) he went into a career in public affairs and finance, working first in the California State Assembly, and later in the private sector as a consultant representing corporate clients on local and statewide land use issues.

In 1990, Tony made another career change. Utilizing his knowledge of land use development he founded and operated a successful swimming pool construction company in Las Vegas. During his time in Nevada he returned to active training with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) under Sensei James Sterling where he attained a dan ranking with the International Aikido Federation in 2012.

Tony now lives in Montana with his beloved Brittany upland bird dogs. His days are spent teaching Aikido, training at Paradaisu Aikikai and enjoying the great outdoors of the Big Sky country.