An introduction by Roby Kessler Sensei.

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My wife, Greta, and I started teaching Ki development Classes and Ki Aikido in Mossman, North Queensland, in 1986 after spending 2 years with our instructor in Brisbane and with his permission to do so. We then also ran classes in Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands once a week before starting Classes in Cairns in 1990. Over the years, after moving our Dojo location to various hired halls, and helping many members attain their respective levels in Aikido and Ki development, we now have permanent Dojos at Mossman and Cairns. The Dojos are run by an Incorporated Body under the name of Aikido Ki Society North Queensland Incorporated and is run by a committee of 7 members. At present we have 8 accredited Instructors, 5 accredited Assistant Instructors and a healthy growing membership.

In 1985 Greta and I attended a 10-day intensive training seminar in Brisbane, with the Chief Instructor of Ki No Kenkyukai H.Q. Japan, and again each year after that. In 1988 we hosted the Chief Instructor of Ki No Kenkyukai H.Q. Japan at the Mossman Dojo for a 5-day intensive seminar for North Queensland Members. Each year since then we continue to host the Chief Instructor of Japan to Australia for all Australian Members to learn from. Please check the Bulletin Board for notices and registration forms for upcoming seminars.

Greta and I and other Australian members visited Japan Head Quarters Dojo twice (1990 and 1996) to take lessons from Tohei Sensei and his head Instructors at their yearly World Camp Seminar for all International Members. I also attended in 1995 for special training in the Taigi Arts and judging criteria, after which I followed Kashiwaya Sensei (Chief Instructor of America) to Hilo, Hawaii, where he taught a 3-day seminar covering most of what Tohei Sensei had taught at H.Q. His teaching was exceptional and I picked up, or should I say clarified, so many important points which were unclear due to the language interpreting on the mat at H.Q.. The first International Taigi Arts Competition was held at Ki No Sato, Tochigi, Japan, during June 1996, in which Riva (our son) and I represented Australia – an unforgettable experience!

In June 2008, two of our instructors, Peter Roser and Bruce Jackman, represented Australia in the international Taigi Arts demonstrations and were well accepted by H.Q. Instructors, and highly qualified instructors from other countries world-wide. They, like myself and our other members who have attended training camps at Head Quarters, have come back with so much knowledge to pass on to future students wishing to learn Ki Aikido and to realize the benefits of their training in their daily life. This continual training with the H.Q. Instructors is of exceptional benefit to us as we endeavour to pass on Tohei Sensei’s Ki Principles and teachings to all students, to the best of our ability.

In June 2008 I relinquished my role as Chief Instructor of Australia, and have accepted the role of Chief Instructor of Aikido Ki Society North Queensland Inc. Other registered Ki Society Dojos in Australia, now have their own Chief Instructor appointed by President of Ki No Kenkyukai H.Q. (Ki Society International) – Shinichi Tohei Sensei. I was awarded 5th Dan Aikido Rank on January 3rd 2005, and examined to the rank of Jo Den for Ki Development in 2007. Please see Instructors section in this site for further information on our other Instructors and their qualifications.

Please feel free to come along to any of the classes listed in this site. Our classes generally consist of (and in the following order) Ki Breathing, the Junan Kenko Taiso and Oneness Rhythm Exercises (stretching for health), and Aiki Taiso (exercises for Aikido arts). This is then followed by a short lecture and Ki testing on one of the four principles of unification of mind and body, (calming our thoughts – mind). After this the Aikido arts are practiced with the emphasis being put on keeping that particular principle of mind and body unification during practice.

The basic principles and methods of Kiatsu (pressing with Ki for healing) are also taught and encouraged for members to practice on each other and members of their family.

Traditionally each year (since Kataoka Sensei, H.Q. Japan, showed us how it is done back in 1993) we practice cold water Misogi in the chilly waters of the Mossman Gorge in the early hours of a mid June morning (our coldest winter month). Cold water Misogi training is of great assistance in developing a positive mind for health and wellbeing in daily life.

I have been encouraging members to be particularly careful or aware of their thoughts; both during and after training; as it is our thoughts that play a big part in determining our health, happiness, and future. For example, when performing an Aikido technique, if both Uke ( attacker) and Nage (defender) can calm their minds (thoughts), the whole technique becomes more effective/powerful, and yet looks harmonious, especially if Nage then sets his or her mind on moving together and becoming one with the Uke. There is no competition with one another when practicing Aikido, as we follow the principle of non-dissension. We must continually train to become a noble character in today’s society.

For this world to live in peace and harmony, we must all practice to calm our minds and strive to have peaceful, harmonious and yet powerful positive thoughts. I believe that through practicing Ki Aikido we can achieve this goal. Should you like further information about Ki Society Aikido please do not hesitate to contact us or Ki No Kenkyukai H.Q. Japan by following the links listed.

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Yours sincerely,

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Roby Kessler,

Chief Instructor,

Aikido Ki Society North Queensland Inc.