Instructor Tom "Axe" Littleton

Sensei Tom “Axe” Littleton is a warrior in the classical sense, with his entire life devoted to the pursuit of martial excellence.  Axe is an Aikidoka…student of Aikido…and currently holds a 1^st Degree Black Belt in Combative Aikido awarded by Sensei J.D. Olsen at the Keishidojo.  Sensei Axe teaches Advanced and Beginner Aikido while continuing the path of his own personal Bushido, or “Way of the Warrior.”  In addition to Aikido, Axe enjoys Jiu-Jitsu and Escrima, and is a member of the Keishidojo Competition Jiu-Jitsu team.

Before entering the world of martial arts Axe was in the US Air Force, from which he retired after 20 years as an F-16 instructor pilot.  Axe is a veteran of Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM (Iraq), PHOENIX PALM (Somalia), SOUTHERN WATCH (Iraq No-Fly Zone), ALLIED FORCE (Kosovo), NOBLE EAGLE (Defense of the Continental US), IRAQI FREEDOM (Iraq), and ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan).  Axe has flown more than 660 hours in combat on 118 combat missions, and has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six Air Medals, and three Aerial Achievement Medals.  Axe is also a competition winning pistol, rifle, and skeet shooter in his spare time.