The Chief Instructor

Philip Traunstein currently holds the rank of Rokudan, Shidoin from Birankai North America.

Traunstein Sensei began his training Aikido in 1979 under Lorraine DiAnne 6th Dan & Sensei's Paul Sylvain 6th Dan (1951-1996)at Amherst Aikikai. In 1986 Traunstein Sensei moved to California and continued his training at Berkeley Aikikai under DiAnne Sensei. He was a founding member of Aikido of Springfield (1988 - 1997).

Traunstein Sensei was awarded Fukushidion (certified teacher) by T.K. Chiba, Shihan, while teaching under the guidence of Lorraine DiAnne Sensei at Aikido of Springfield in 1993. Red Sun Aikido opened with Traunstein Sensei as Chief Instructor in August of 1997. Traunstein Sensei was awarded Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in January 2012. Philip has been certified Shidoin (Senior Instructor) since February of 2001 under Birankai North America.  

Traunstein Sensei also holds a 2nd Dan in Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, the Art of the Japanese sword.