Muay Thai Classes are taught by Kru Level Instructor Bill Thanel on Wednesday’s at 7pm and Saturday’s at 9am.

Muay Thai classes weekly

Always Growing in Aikido as a Human Being

This past trip to Japan was truly epic and for many reasons. The Sakura were in full bloom, the weather was perfect, the food was amazing, and the company was priceless. But the reason we were all there was for Sensei!

Sensei was amazing and the energy was high in dojo and Budokan. Sensei seems to be an ageless wonder to the point I even asked him if he was touching special rocks to keep him looking young and strong.

As I reflect on my latest trip to Japan, I started thinking of the many epic conversations I had with Sensei, friends and even Mr. Morimoto, a drunk businessman who joined our table at an izakaya for endless sake and conversation.

Most of my conversations with Sensei were about the future and to “always be growing”. We had similar conversations before over matcha or sake but to me the message this time seemed more profound than ever. Always growing is not just about technique but on and off the mat as a human being. I believe to Sensei success is seeing his students grow through Kokikai as individuals. Growth can be in many ways. Of course there is growth as a martial artist, becoming better physically, mentally and spiritually. It can also mean becoming a better student, husband, wife, son, daughter, coworker or caregiver. In order to grow you must challenge yourself and sometimes you must be uncomfortable or even suffer.

Challenging yourself can come in many ways. Regarding Aikido, it could be going to more classes, ukeing more, attending all of camp, teaching, getting in shape or working to develop a more positive mind. Off the mat it be signing up for a physical challenge such as a race, trying to communicate better, studying harder, going for that promotion or anything else you may be uncomfortable doing.

As I sat down with Sensei the term Budo or Bushido often came up.

Kokikai Aikido is more than just a martial art—it is a path of lifelong personal growth. I believe this is what really separates us from other martial arts and makes it the hardest to sell in today’s day and age when most have little patience to learn and most need instant feedback. It is much easier to kick or punch a pad or put on a jiu-jitsu choke than spend years improving yourself.

As a budo art Aikido reflects both the combative and spiritual dimensions of traditional Japanese martial art disciplines. The term budo means “ the way of the warrior” and implies the personal development through martial training. Aikido fits this through its martial art roots, philosophical and ethical path, non -competitive nature and its’ budo etiquette and tradition.

In summary Kokikai Aikido is a living budo art: a martial art that combines effective techniques with ethical responsibility and individual personal transformation.

I challenge all of you to grow on and off the mat. In my opinion as I look to acquire more students I continue to realize Aikido can’t be sold but needs to be experienced!

Todd Kupper Sensei May 1st 2025