Our Dojo
Philadelphia Ki-Aikido is a dojo dedicated to teaching the principles and practice of Ki-Aikido as developed by Koichi Tohei sensei. Our dojo focuses on the harmonious development of mind and body through the practice of Ki principles and Aikido techniques.
We are affiliated with the Eastern Ki Federation and the Ki Society International following the teaching methods established by Koichi Tohei sensei. Our certified instructors are committed to providing quality instruction in a supportive and positive environment, fostering growth for every student.
At our dojo, students learn a martial art with emphasis on personal development and how to apply Ki principles in daily life. This holistic approach promotes improved health, enhanced calmness, and greater confidence in all situations.
We warmly welcome teen and adult students of all abilities. No prior martial arts experience is necessary to begin your journey with us, just an open mind and a willingness to learn.Our Instructors
Head Instructor: Bill Orwat (6th degree black belt) — Bill Orwat sensei brings decades of experience in Ki-Aikido and leads the instructional program at Philadelphia Ki-Aikido with deep dedication to the art and its principles.
Assistant Head Instructor: Kenneth Mills (2nd degree black belt) — Kenneth Mills sensei supports the dojo's teaching and operations, helping students develop their practice in Ki-Aikido.
A Brief History of Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art originally developed by Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei. The techniques of Aikido derive mainly from the Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu of Sokaku Takeda. Philosophically, Ueshiba was greatly influenced by the views of Onisaburo Deguchi, leader of the Omoto religion. The art evolved gradually during the late 1920s and 30s under various names. Aikido emerged as a major martial art and spread outside of Japan after World War II. Its modern name was officially adopted in 1942 as a result of the reorganization of Japanese martial arts by the Dai Nihon Butokukai. The name "Aikido" is often translated as "the way of harmonious spirit" from ai (harmony/ unity), ki (energy/ spirit), and do (way/ path).
When Morihei Ueshiba passed away in 1969, Koichi Tohei was the chief instructor of the Aikikai headquarters dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Later in 1971, Tohei sensei founded the Ki Society International to teach Ki Development. Then in 1974, Tohei sensei established Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (Aikido with Mind and Body Unified). In Japan, the official name is Ki No Kenkyukai, meaning a society for the research and study of Ki. The purpose of the Ki Society is to teach the arts of Ki development, which include meditation, breathing, and Aikido.
On January 1, 2004, Tohei sensei authorized the formation of the Eastern Ki Federation (EKF). The purpose of the EKF is to offer instruction and training in the arts of Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development) and Shinshin Toitsu Aikido. The EKF will devote itself to the growth and development of others through clarity and consistency of teaching across all member dojos. The current chief instructor is Rich Fryling sensei.
Philadelphia Ki-Aikido was founded in the Philadelphia area with roots going back to 1978. For decades, our dojo has served as a center for the study of Ki principles and Aikido techniques, bringing Koichi Tohei sensei's teachings to students throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Today, we are proud to continue that tradition at World Class Martial Arts in Boothwyn, PA.