A Living Tradition
Essential Aikido Kokikai is part of a rich tradition that traces back to the founder of Aikido itself.
Shuji Maruyama Sensei, our founder, studied as a young man at the dojo of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, training as one of the esteemed uchi deshi (resident students) who dedicated their lives to the mastery and teaching of Aikido. He also trained extensively under Koichi Tohei, one of Ueshiba's most senior students.
In 1966, Maruyama Sensei came to Cleveland, Ohio, where he had been invited to start Aikido. In 1968, he moved to Philadelphia where he established his dojos in downtown Philadelphia and northeast Philadelphia. He spoke some English and dedicated himself to educating the public about Aikido at a time when very little was known about the art in America. A true pioneer, he willed and worked his way to success.
In 1980, he returned to Japan, leaving his legacy and dojos to be continued by his senior students. He founded Kokikai Aikido independently in 1986, developing a philosophy centered on "minimum effort for maximum effect" that emphasizes natural movement, relaxation, and mind-body coordination.
Known for his approachable teaching style and the encouragement "If I can do it, you can do it," Maruyama Sensei continues to actively teach and develop the art.
In 1995, I began training at Aikido Kokikai Southwest in Tempe, Arizona, under David Nachman Sensei and Veronica Burrows Sensei. Both currently hold the rank of 8th Dan and are two of Maruyama Sensei's most senior students.
They introduced me to this intriguing art, rich with philosophy, movement and power. They gave me a deep connection to the art and a strong foundation that continues to guide my teaching today.
In addition to my training, I was also fortunate to assist, then co-lead the Kids' class for many years. In 2006, I moved to the East Valley of Phoenix and founded what would become Essential Aikido Kokikai.
My current mentor is Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei, 8th Dan, who holds the distinction of being the first female 8th degree Aikido black belt in the world.
Ricciotti Sensei has been teaching Aikido to children and adults in the Philadelphia area since 1976. She began training with Maruyama Sensei in 1974, and began teaching for him in 1976 as a brown belt.
As Maruyama Sensei's most senior student, Ricciotti Sensei continues to teach at her dojo in Philadelphia, and travels to affiliated dojos around the country and abroad to teach.
This lineage, from Ueshiba to Tohei to Maruyama, through Ricciotti, Nachman, and Burrows, to our global Kokikai family, is the living foundation of who we are. Every technique we practice, every principle we teach, every relationship we build carries forward a tradition of natural power, authentic connection, and the belief that if one person can do it, we all can.