Koichi Kashiwaya Sensei
Kashiwaya Sensei of the Ki Society
Kashiwaya Sensei is one of the very few full-time Aikido professionals in the United States and travels extensively and frequently, teaching on behalf of Ki Society HQ, for his MKF dojo, and occasional seminars for other groups throughout the world.
A major emphasis in his teaching is the development of the next generation of instructors and leaders for MKF and Ki Society.
Students from all over the world relish the opportunity to train with this spirited, dynamic teacher who continually inspires his students to polish, refine and explore their arts.
His compassion and care for his students have inspired many to take these arts into their daily lives. Literally thousands of people, through his efforts, have experienced the teachings of Ki Society and Tohei sensei.
Kashiwaya Sensei’s official positions include:
- Designated Advisor for Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai (Ki Society International) for North America
- Official Ki Society Headquarters Instructor (Sohombu Shihan) teaching on behalf of Ki Society internationally
- Chief Instructor and founder of MKF, a group of 27 dojo’s across the USA, Canada and Brazil. Kashiwaya Sensei also works to support Ki Society International efforts in Australia, the Philippines and Thailand.
CURRENTLY – Kashiwaya sensei travels nationally and internationally to conduct numerous seminars, workshops, and intensive training sessions, both as MKF Chief Instructor, and as a Sohombu Shihan teaching on behalf of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai, or at the invitation of other interested groups.
Over the years Kashiwaya Sensei has given many public demonstrations and lectures, including on multiple occasions, for the Consul General of Japan at Kansas City; Greater Kansas City Japan Festival; Cherry Blossom Festival at Independence, MO; Japan week at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens; and the Seattle Cherry Blossom Matsuri festival, to name only a few.
Because of his activities and support of organizations in the Greater Kansas City area, he was made an Honorary Citizen of Kansas City, MO by declaration of the Mayor.
KSensei has taught Ki Principles to many professional athletes, including the defensive line for the Denver Broncos football team, and Alexi Grewal, the Gold Medalist in road race cycling at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
