Business Details
14 Years
experience
Traditional Ki-Aikido & Ki Development Training in Athens, OH
Athens Ki-Aikido is a traditional dojo dedicated to the practice of Ki-Aikido and Ki Development, rooted in the principles of Mind/Body Oneness. Established in 2012 as an Ohio Not-for-Profit Corporation with 501(c)(3) status, our dojo operates under the direct instructional oversight of Shinichi Tohei Sensei, Chief Instructor of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai in Tokyo, Japan. We offer weekly classes in Ki-Aikido, a modern Japanese defensive skill system grounded in non-aggressive, non-competitive principles, and Ki Development, a unique approach to Mind/Body Awareness training. Our head instructor, Stan Haehl, brings over 40 years of teaching experience and advanced certifications from the Ki Society, ensuring a legacy of expertise and authenticity.As the only Ki Society International affiliated dojo in Ohio, we provide a welcoming space for individuals to explore physical fitness, conflict resolution, and spiritual growth through traditional practices. Our curriculum emphasizes calm alertness, cooperative learning, and the integration of rhythm and timing over brute strength. Affiliated with the Athens Ki-Aikido, we maintain strong ties to a global network of practitioners while serving local communities in Southeastern Ohio. Our facility, located at ACEnet in Athens, OH, hosts dynamic training sessions that cater to all fitness levels, fostering a supportive environment for personal development.
Services
Ki-Aikido Classes
Ki Development Training
Meditation Sessions
Martial Arts Instruction
Wellness Programs
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from a Qualified Associate Examiner with 40+ years of teaching experience.
- Our curriculum combines Ki-Aikido with Mind/Body Oneness principles for holistic development.
- We maintain direct ties to the Ki Society International headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
- Our non-competitive approach emphasizes safety, cooperation, and accessibility for all ages.
- We provide the only Ki Society affiliated training within 50 miles of Athens, Ohio.
Associations and certifications
- Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai
- Midland Ki Federation
Services
Ki-Aikido Classes
Ki-Aikido combines defensive techniques with Mind/Body Oneness principles. Our classes teach non-competitive self-defense through fluid movements, emphasizing timing over strength. Practitioners develop physical fitness, conflict resolution skills, and mental clarity in a cooperative environment that welcomes all experience levels.
Ki Development Training
This Mind/Body Awareness system uses posture, breathing, and meditation to cultivate Ki energy. Sessions focus on integrating mental focus with physical movement, offering benefits similar to Yoga and Qigong. Training enhances coordination, reduces stress, and promotes holistic wellness through accessible, structured practices.
Meditation Sessions
Guided meditation and breathing exercises develop mental focus and energy awareness. These sessions complement martial arts training while standing as independent wellness practices. Participants learn techniques to improve concentration, emotional balance, and overall vitality through structured mindfulness exercises.
Wellness Programs
Our programs integrate martial arts principles with holistic health practices. Focused on physical conditioning, stress management, and mental resilience, these offerings benefit individuals seeking improved fitness, workplace stress reduction, or personal development through traditional Japanese wellness methodologies.
Instructor Training
Advanced practitioners can pursue instructor development under Qualified Associate Examiner Stan Haehl. This program follows Ki Society international standards, preparing students for teaching roles through rigorous technical mastery, pedagogical training, and philosophical understanding of Shinshin Toitsu principles.
People
Stan Haehl
Head Instructor
Stan Haehl has taught Ki-Aikido since 1979, holding Rokudan (6th degree black belt) and Jouden certification in Ki Development. As a Qualified Associate Examiner for the Ki Society, he brings decades of experience from university teaching and international martial arts instruction.
Questions
What is Ki-Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Ki-Aikido is a non-competitive defensive martial art emphasizing Mind/Body Oneness. Unlike combat-focused systems, it teaches conflict resolution through blending movements that redirect energy without aggression or competition.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our classes welcome all fitness levels with progressive training that adapts to individual capabilities while maintaining traditional technical standards.
What should I wear for my first class?
Beginners can wear comfortable workout clothes. Traditional uniforms become available after initial orientation. We provide guidance on proper attire during your first session.
Are children allowed in the classes?
We offer family-friendly training environments. Children participate in age-appropriate sessions with instructors trained in adapting techniques for younger practitioners' physical and cognitive development.
How often are classes held at the dojo?
We maintain regular weekly schedules for both Ki-Aikido and Ki Development training. Specific times are posted on our website and updated through member communications.
Can I visit the dojo before joining?
Prospective students may observe classes or schedule personal visits to experience our training environment. Contact information is available on our website for arranging introductory visits.
