"Winning means winning over the discord in yourself. Those who have a warped mind, a mind of discord, have been defeated from the beginning." Morihei Ueshiba

The Japanese martial art of Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (known as O'Sensei, or "great teacher") during the twentith century. His unique approach to the martial arts was to emphasize blending with, instead of opposing, an attacker's energy. Following World War II, Aikido's popularity increased when O'Sensei stressed the peaceful applications of the martial art. One of O'Sensei's principal students was Koichi Tohei, who began studying under the founder in 1939.

After the war, Tohei Sensei was picked by O'Sensei to bring Aikido to the United States, which he did starting in 1953 by introducing the martial art to Hawaii, where it flourished. Tohei Sensei became Chief Instructor under O'Sensei, and was eventually promoted to 10th Dan (10th degree black belt), the highest possible rank.

After O'Sensei's death in 1969, Tohei Sensei stayed on as Chief Instructor of the Aikikai under the direction of the O'Sensei's son, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei. The two eventually parted ways over disagreement in teaching style. Tohei Sensei developed a teaching system which taught Ki principles to all students, which he felt would make their Aikido techniques stronger, and also allow them to use Ki development in everyday life. In 1974, Tohei Sensei left the Aikikai and founded the Ki Society International, which is the organization underwhich the Virginia Ki Society operates.

The main focus in Ki Aikido is on remaining calm and alert, using inner energy (ki) rather than muscle power alone.

The above text was adapted from an article by George Simcox, the long time Chief Instructor of the Virginia Ki Society

Visit this site to learn about Tohei Sensei's other important teacher, and the link between yoga and Ki Aikido:http://www.stlki.org/nakamura.shtml

To read an excellent biography about O'Sensei click to this page: aikidofaq.com/history/osensei.html

This link will take you to a well-written biography of Tohei Sensei: ki-aikido.net/KNK/ToheiSensei.html

A article about George Simcox from the book "Aikido In America:"Google Books "Aikido In America" 

Aikido Pictures with Steve Wolf Page I

Aikido Pictures with Steve Wolf Page 2