Chief Instructor/Owner- Michael Ellefson
Sensei Ellefson has been studying Aikido for 34 years and holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt). The pivotal moment in his Aikido training came in 1997 when he became a student of Bill Sosa Shihan (1934-2002, Founder of the International Aikido Association). Today, the Midwest Center for Movement (and offshoot dojos in WI and MN) are affiliated under Randy Bonifay Shihan and the Mid-America Aikido Federation. Bonifay Shihan was a student of Sosa Shihan’s for over 20 years and was Sosa Shihan’s highest ranking student. Sensei Ellefson strives to this day to teach and honor the spirit, ki, and technique put forth by Sosa Shihan. Additionally, Sensei Ellefson has been studying Japanese swordsmanship for over 25 years and continues to use the katana as the basis for his Aikido movement. When combined with his approach to Aikido from both the spiritual and martial aspects, Sensei Ellefson's technique is known for being extremely effective and at the same time soft and relaxed.
Professor Ellefson has been studying Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for 27 years and holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt under 8th Degree Red & Black belt Rigan Machado. Professor Ellefson first started BJJ in Rickson Gracie’s organization. He then earned his purple belt under 7th degree Rickson Gracie Black belt, Luiz Palhares. His brown and black belts were earned from Professor Chris McCune and Master Rigan Machado. Along with heading up the BJJ program at the Midwest Center for Movement, Professor Ellefson also oversees the BJJ programs at multiple affiliate schools. Professor Ellefson believes that you never stop learning, and so he continuously attends seminars and workshops with instructors from any and all organizations to improve his jiu-jitsu
Additionally, Mike holds rank in Ryukyu Kempo Karate, Judo, & Shinbudo MMA. His philosophy is that he can learn from anyone, whether they are a white belt or a coral belt. That is why his mats are always open to visitors who want train with a good heart and no ego.
From 2001-2006 Mike was and Ad-hoc Professor at the University of WI- River Falls in the Health and Human Performance Department instructing for credit Aikido and Self-Defense classes. Mike travels extensively teaching self-defense and self-protection courses to businesses and organizations.
Mike is a certified P.A.C.T. (Police Applied Control Tactics) Instructor training various Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies in applied Defensive Tactics. Mike’s program is recognized for (POST) Peace Officer Standards & Training for the State of MN.
Mike is proud to be an Ambassador for Mission 22, a Non-Profit dedicated to ending Veteran suicide.
Mike is a Certified Instructor and MCFM is an officially recognized training facility for the We Defy Foundation
Mike is also a Level III Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) Pro.
Mike has been honored to contribute to and lead numerous seminars. To learn more about his seminar work, or to schedule a seminar, please click here.
Mike makes his home in North Hudson with his wife Corrie, children- Void and Genevieve, dog- Clyde, and cats- Stella and Porter.