Master Koichi Tohei Sensei (Ki Society Founder)
Koichi Tohei (10th Dan), one of O-Sensei’s closest students, dedicated his life to spreading the art worldwide. In the 1970s, he founded the Ki No Kenkyukai, emphasizing mind–body unification and the practical application of Ki in daily life. From that period onward, he and his senior instructors taught extensively throughout Europe, where several independent Ki Aikido groups later emerged. Since 2007, the organization has been known as the Ki Society and has been led by Shinichi Tohei, the son and successor of Koichi Tohei Sensei, continuing the international development of the art.
Shinichi Tohei, son and successor of Koichi Tohei, began practicing Ki Aikido at the age of two under his father’s guidance. Led the international development of the Ki Society, teaching throughout Japan and overseas. He has also applied Ki Principles beyond martial arts through seminars for business leaders, athletes, schools, and universities, including training programs for Japan’s Olympic softball team and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Calvin Tabata, a lifelong direct student of Koichi Tohei who began training under him at the age of three, is the head of the Northwest Ki Federation. He is an 8th dan in Ki Aikido, holds an Okuden Ki rank, and regularly teaches for the UK Ki Federation and the Prague Ki Society.
Hideo Ohara, also a lifelong direct student of Koichi Tohei who began training under him at the age of seven, is a senior instructor from Ki Society headquarters. He is an 8th dan in Ki Aikido, holds an Okuden Ki rank, and has been regularly teaching for the Europe Ki Society since 2022.
Martin Jabůrek has been a direct student of Calvin Tabata since 1994 and is the head of the Prague Ki Society. He holds a 4th dan in Ki Aikido and a Joden Ki rank.
Mervyn Williams was a student of K. Williams, the chief instructor of the Ki Federation of Great Britain, originally affiliated with the Ki No Kenkyukai, later became independent. He held a 5th dan in Ki Aikido and was appointed to help build the Ki Aikido community in Romania after the fall of communism.
Cristian Ion was a student of Mervyn Williams Sensei, the founder and the chief instructor of the Bucharest Ki School of Aikido. He held a 5th dan in Ki Aikido.