Frequently asked questions from Europe

We have received inquiries from European students about Kenjiro Yoshigasaki Sensei’s relationship to Ki Society HQ.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions:

Q: Why did Mr. Yoshigasaki leave Tohei Sensei and the Ki Society?

A: Mr. Yoshigasaki decided that he wanted to begin his own Aikido and teach his own ideas. He left abruptly without any notice to Koichi Tohei Sensei or the Ki Society HQ. He gave himself the title “Doshu” as the leader of his teachings. His organization and dojos are not affiliated with Tohei Sensei or Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai).

Q: I am a member of Mr. Yoshigasaki’s dojos. Does that make me a member of Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai)?

A: No. You are not members of Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai). If you have trained with Koichi Tohei Sensei and would like to begin your training with a Ki Society dojo you are always welcome to begin training when you become a member of Ki Society HQ. If you are an individual or dojo and would like to join the Ki Society HQ please contact us directly. Your current rank and qualifications will need to be reevaluated since Mr. Yoshigasaki did not teach Koichi Tohei Sensei’s teachngs or represent Ki Society HQ.

Q: Why are some of Mr. Yoshigasaki’s dojos using the name of the Ki Society and Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai?

A: These dojos are not affiliated with Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai) or Koichi Tohei Sensei. We ask that they stop using our name.

Q: I heard in Europe that the Ki Society in Japan went through financial bankruptcy.

A: The current organization Ki Society HQ(Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai) is doing very well. When we built the complex of buildings in Tochigi, it was not the best decision. That resulted in the old organization Ki No Kenkyukai becoming insolvent and necessitated a filing of bankruptcy. Since then we have reorganized under the leadership of Shinichi Tohei Sensei as the Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai). Shinichi Tohei Sensei managed to repurchase the property in Tochigi, where we currently hold the World camp and numerous large national training events. The new organization Ki Society HQ (Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai) has over 10,000 active students throughout Japan and dojos in 24 countries.

If you would like more information or have additional questions please contact us at<headquarters@shinshintoitsuaikido.org> . We will respond as quickly as we can and ask for your understanding in advance for any delays.