From 1970 to 1980 Gleason sensei studied at the world headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Japan and also with Seigo Yamaguchi Shihan. During that same period, Gleason sensei studied Japanese sword and culture.

Since 1985, Gleason sensei has continued to study with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan under the auspices of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. He is the author of the books The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido and Aikido and Words of Power and the video Aikido and Japanese Sword.