Our History

Our organization has a rich history of innovation and excellence. We continually strive to improve ourselves and our teaching methods.

Founder, Koichi Tohei (1920 - 2011)

Master Koichi Tohei was the founder of the Ki Society. He developed Ki Training, Kiatsu^® and Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido over a lifetime devoted to personal development. Beginning with Hawaii in 1953, he traveled the world to teach Ki Principles and Mind & Body Coordination. His extraordinary performance of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido arts and his masterful teaching inspired students for over 60 years.

President, Shinichi Tohei (1973 -)

Shinichi Tohei is the president and chief instructor of the Ki Society. He is a dedicated, life-long student of his father, Ki Society founder Koichi Tohei. He presides at Ki Society HQ in Japan, in charge of teaching, training and the organization in Japan and internationally.

Under his dynamic leadership, the Ki Society has grown dramatically. In addition to over 400 dojos in Japan, there are Ki Society branches in 24 countries.

The Northwest Ki Federation

The Northwest Ki Federation was founded by Calvin Tabata. He began his training in Hawaii and is a life-long direct student of Ki Society founder Koichi Tohei sensei. Tabata sensei has been teaching since 1970.

The organization has authorized branches in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. There are affiliated international branches in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

The Orange County Ki Society

The Orange County Ki Society was founded by John Gilmore. He began his training in Oregon in 1970 and is a life-long direct student of Calvin Tabata sensei. Gilmore sensei has been teaching in Orange County since 1984.

The organization has a dedicated training facility that offers classes to both adults and children.