Koichi Tohei

Koichi Tohei (藤平光一, ) is a Master of Aïkido (10th daN) and the founder of the Ki Society and of its style the Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (aikido with the body and the unified spirit, sometimes called “Ki Aïkido”). Ki Society is also known under the name of Ki No Kenkyukai , “Company international of the ki”.

Koichi Tohei and aikido

Koichi Tohei was born in January 1920 with Shitaya, near Tokyo. He was a frail child and often patient, His father recommended to him the studies of Judo. He involved himself hard and its body recovered a physical fine shape, but after its beginnings with the pre-college with the Université Keiō, he developed a case of Pleurésie (ignition of the chest which causes pains respiratory). That forced Tohei to stop during one year.

It decided in order to compensate for the loss of the judo, to involve itself with the Zen like with the Misogi. Its research pushed it being studied and the practice of the Kiatsu what have for effect to strongly reduce the impact of its disease. Its doctors concluded after their treatments and that from the kiatsu which it could take again its activity. But after the resumption of the judo, Tohei found that this one did not correspond to him any more.

In 1939, at the 19 years age, the trainer of Tohei, Shohei Mori, recommended to him to turn to the aikido and to meet its founder Morihei Ueshiba. According to Koichi Tohei, when it met the founder and started to practice the techniques, it had some doubts as for the effectiveness of its last. But its doubts were dissipated quickly.

Years of war

Tohei Sensei, as many other young Japanese of its generation was enlisted in amée Impériale in October 1942. Tohei made actions in China and remained there until its repatriation in 1946.

The years post-war period

In 1969 it was seen proposing the 10th daN by Ueshiba after having refused it first once. More the high level was the 8th daN, but the number of ranks was increased by Ueshiba for reasons as well practical as political.

Tohei and aikido in Hawaii

In 1953, Koichi Tohei was sent to Hawaii to introduce the aikido. It was the first time that the founder allowed the teaching of the aikido outside Japan. Thus, Hawaii in general became the center of diffusion for the aikido.

Ranks

8th daN in 1952, decreed by Morihei Ueshiba
9th daN in 1960, decreed by Ueshiba
10th daN in 1970, decreed by Aikikai

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