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 Oregon Ki Society
The Oregon Ki Society 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 in the Northwest since 1970. He established the Oregon Ki Society in 1974 and the Personal Kiatsu School in 1993.
The organization has dedicated training facilities in the major cities in Oregon. In addition, satellite programs in community centers, grade schools and universities provide training throughout the state.
To find out more about the Oregon Ki Society you can visit their web site by clicking here.
The Bend Dojo
We began in 2000 with renting space in local dance studios, teaching through Parks and Recreation and classes through Central Oregon Community College. Eventually, our class sizes increased and having a permanent location became a reality. In 2018 we moved to our current location on Carmen Lp, and continue to grow and develop as a dojo. The development of the Bend Dojo has been with participation and work from all Bend members and with encouragement and direction from Tabata Sensei, the Oregon Ki Society and NWKF. We are excited to be able to offer more classes in the future and to add to our current students.