19 Years of Aikido in Kansas

 In 1979, Barbara Bloom Sensei of Philadelphia came to Kansas and established the first Ki-Aikido program in Lawrence under the auspices of the City Parks and Recreation Department. She laid the foundation on which the current Kansas Ki Society (KKS) was established with the leadership of Mary Ann Stewart. One of the founding members of the KKS, Andrew T. Tsubaki, moved the operation to the University of Kansas in 1987 and began teaching Ki-Aikido as a University of Kansas physical education program and supervised its Sports Club activities.

 In 1995, Tsubaki Sensei gave his consent to Andrew LeBar and other high-ranking students to expand the society's activities by opening a city Dojo to reach out to the citizens of Lawrence. Thanks to the efforts of leaders and key members of the KKS, including KU Club members, both the Lawrence Dojo and KU Club have continued to grow. The KKS is also the organizational center for two autonomous groups: the Obiji Ki-Aikido Dojo, north of Lawrence and headed by Mel mith Sensei; and the Kansas State University Ki-Aikido Club in Manhattan, Kansas headed by Paul Gleue.

 One reason for the success of the Kansas Ki Society is the continued support of Koichi Kashiwaya Sensei, who has visited Lawrence for 17 straight years. His strong connection to both Lawrence and Kansas City areas can be seen in his annual visits to the Kansas Ki Society and the Midland Ki Society. We take this opportunity to recognize and thank Kashiwaya Sensei for his continued interest in our growth and well-being.