Aikido in SE Michigan

[Chris_Gearhart]

I trained with St. Louis Ki Society from 1988 to 1994. It was a huge part of my life. After 1994 I moved around for a while and eventually settled in Michigan where there are no Ki-society Dojos. I would really like to get back to my training. My question is this:
If I can't find a Ki-Society Dojo, which style or organization would be the closest alternative?

Thanks for any advice

[J. Nachtrab]

Chris -

If it were me, I'd be less concerned with finding a style that "resembled" Ki Society aikido and more focused on finding a dojo and atmosphere that I liked.  Sure, there are differences in the approach and attitude that different styles of aikido take, but in the end it's all aikido.  I've found that a good instructor and a friendly, positive batch of students with whom to train is far more important than the particulars of the style.  

My advice would be to find nearby aikido dojos, and ignore their particular style or affiliation.  Visit, talk to the instructors, find one that feels welcoming and comfortable, and train for awhile.  Try out an introductory program if available.

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

HELLO CHRIS!

How great to hear from you. Are you still in the field of Physics? How is Trish doing?

We're having our 25th anniversary celebration this fall. Kashiwaya Sensei will be here, and perhaps others. I'lI keep you posted on the details through this forum. It' would be great if you could visit.
I don't know of any Ki-Aikido in Michigan, but I will check around. Of course, my way of dealing with the situation you are in would be to start teaching. But that can be a lot of work.

When Will Reed left St. Louis, It was in many ways like starting over, with nearly all students above 5th Kyu leaving. One other Ikkyu and I contunued with classes, and we had about 10 students. But we also had a good place to train, which is a very basic need. So it wasn't like starting from scratch, but we were starting with some expectations from existing students that weren't always met.

As Jason says, The spirit of training in the dojo, and the people there, are very important. I always urge people to look around and find something that seems to fit. Of course, already being Shodan in Ki Society, it's natural to want to continue with that. Certainly that is what I would recommend, but it may be more work than going elsewhere.

If you wish to contact me directly you can at markrubbert@stlki.org.

--Mark R.