Cody Lewallen has been a student of martial arts for over 20 years, more than half of that time in Japan.  As a teenager he studied many styles including Kenpo, Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, Judo, Hwa Rang Do, Karate, Iaido, and Kenjutsu. He researched extensively, trying to find the martial art that was personally fulfilling.  Aikido became his passion which led to moving to Japan right after graduating from college. Cody moved to Japan to study Aikido before his degree was mailed to him. He earned his black belt at the Aikido Tenshin Dojo, the school founded by Miyako Fujitani and action star Steven Seagal. He stayed in Japan, a loyal student of his teacher Fujitani Shihan for over 12 years. Lewallen Sensei is directly affiliated with the Tenshin Dojo Osaka and the Tenshin Dojo California, owned and operated by Kentaro Seagal, Fujitani Shihan and Seagal Sensei's son.
 
Complementing his 12 years in Japan, Lewallen Sensei has a degree in East Asian Studies. He speaks Japanese fluently has a deep understanding of Japanese culture and religion. 

Lewallen Sensei instructed American Naval and Air Force personnel stationed in Japan in Aikido, stick, sword, and knife-fighting. He put his skills to the test while managing the security team at the largest social club in Tokyo. There he had the opportunity to confirm his technique and experience its effectiveness. After witnessing Lewallen Sensei's calm demeanor and masterful qualities during these days of battling the Japanese mafia and other random ruffians in the club, many of his security team joined his martial arts school.

In the midst of these exciting times, Lewallen Sensei met and married his Japanese love, Natsu. She moved to the United States with Lewallen Sensei and continues to inspire his reverence for life. He is one of the few authentic masters that not only teaches martial technique, but life lessons learned from studying in Japan, the birthplace of Aikido.