Austin Ki Movement

I typically talk to them about their martial arts goals and ask them what they're looking to learn. The initial onboarding is designed to help acquaint them with the practice of aikido with mind and body unified, while helping them to see how these ideas can be beneficial in functional, real life terms. 

I am a certified Ki society instructor, and have attained a third degree black belt ranking in the martial art, and a second degree black belt ranking in mind-body coordination. The Ki Aikido rank is the highest that one can test for in the US, and there is only one more mind-body coordination test that is currently possible to take in this style. 

I currentlu have a 'pandemic special' pricing of $35/month for 4 lessons, plus I offer bonus lessons when time permits. This rate applies to in-person, drop-by visits and is only available for a limited time. If I have to travel to a client, this rate increases proportionally with distance and lesson time. 

I began teaching Ki Aikido when I was a brown belt, and began to teach regular classes after I attained a black belt rank 20 years ago. I taught for 8 years, then stepped away from teach to complete graduate school. I have now started my own dojo 

I have worked with people from the ages of 14+ from all backgrounds and walks of life. I have people who were differently abled, in addition to people who were both visually impaired and hearing imparied. I have taught women in their 70's how to fall safely, and I have taught people who served in the armed forces how they can apply aikido to their ongoing training in a mindful, peaceful martial art. 

I am super proud of partnering with the Texas Rollergirls (before the pandemic) to do a half-time show that was based on our art, but that was entertaining to their audience. I am also very proud to have organized a fundraising activity to benefit a local peace nonprofit. I can't wait to be able to get back to these events!

My best advice is to keep an open mind, and to be patient. Learning Ki Aikido is perhaps different from learning other forms of self-defense. It is a martial art, and as any martial art it takes time to learn and to "soak in" core ways of moving. These ways of moving can change your life by improving things like posture and body mechanics, by expanding your physical awareness and yes, by giving you tools that will be helpful in self-defense situations. 

I advise that students ask of themselves--why do I want to train in a martial art or self-defense system? What am I looking for? Am I looking to "defeat" an opponent? Am I looking to improve how well I'm aware of my own surroundings and my own reactions? Do I want to move in ways that are more calm? mindfully? What would I think about an art that taught me about peaceful ways of dealing with conflict? If you're curious about any of those things, then I'd recommend giving me a call!