What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese Marital Art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is translated to mean “the way of unifying with ki (life energy).” Ueshiba’s goal was to develop a self defense martial art that protected the attacker from injury. Ki-Aikido was founded by Uechiba’s senior student and predecessor, Koichi Tohei.

Our Organization’s Teachers

Koichi Tohei Sensei made it his life’s goal to teach the principles of Ki and realization of mind and body oneness. Koichi Tohei Sensei, the founder of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (Ki-Aikido), passed away peacefully on the 19th May 2001. He was 91 years old.

Shinichi Tohei Sensei was born in 1973. He graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, school of Bioscience and Biotechnology. Shinichi Tohei Sensei has been learning Ki Principles through Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido (Ki-Aikido) from Master Koichi Tohei, Aikido 10th dan and Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido Founder, since childhood. Now, as successor to Master Koichi Tohei, he teaches Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido in Japan and throughout the world.

David Shaner Sensei is the Chief Instructor of the Eastern Ki Federation. Shaner Sensei is a 7th Degree Blackbelt (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido), and has the rank of Okuden, Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki development). David Shaner was a direct student of Koichi Tohei Sensi and continues to practice under Shinichi Tohei Sensei.

Our Instructor

Brian Kelley Sensei is currently a Sandan (4th degree black belt) in Ki Aikido. He continues his Ki Aikido and Shin Shin Toitsu Do training under David Shaner Sensei and Terry Pierce Sensei of the Eastern Ki Federation. Brian Kelley Sensei offers beginner-advanced Ki-Aikido classes in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Brian Kelley Sensei’s Aikido dojo is part of the Eastern Ki Federation and is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on maintaining relaxation and calmness during stressful and violent encounters. Some people take Aikido for the exercise, some for self-denfense training, some for it’s spiritual elements… and some just like it because it’s fun! Currently accepting anyone 12 years old and up!

The beginner Aikido classes cover some of these topics/principles:

  • Ki-meditation
  • Ki-breathing
  • Extending ki
  • Ki balance exercises -keeping one point
  • Basic rolls/falls (we don’t want you to hurt yourself)
  • Basic Aikido self-defense techniques for 5th kyu training
  • Oneness rhythm taiso (rhythmic stretches to music)

Visitors are always welcome, or contact us today for more information!

There are three Aikido classes per week. View our class schedule. The instructor is Brian Kelley.