Maida Sensei

Pietro Yuji Maida Sensei is one of the highest-ranking Ki instructors in the United States. In addition to his role as Ki Instructor for the Ki Research Institute, Maida sensei is presently the Chief Instructor of the Northern California Ki Society and holds the rank of 7th dan.

He began his studies with Koichi Tohei sensei in the 1970’s when he lived in Japan, also studying Aikido, Zen and other traditional cultural arts. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1980 he became a professional Aikido Instructor.

His Aikido training began as an uchi deshi (apprentice) of Hideki Shiohira Sensei in 1974. Maida Sensei was a senior student of Shotokan Karate before discovering the benefits of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido.

He has extensive experience in Rinzai Zen meditation (as a student of Tanouye Tenshin Rotaishi), Japanese Swordsmanship (under Takahashi Eiichi), and Zen-Bodytherapy R (with Willliam "Dub" Leigh).He continues to train under the direct guidance of Tohei Sensei in Japan, Kashiwaya Sensei and other senior instructors of Ki Society.

Maida sensei is a firm believer that Ki training is beneficial for daily life. He conducts trainings for parents, students, police, incarcerated inmates, attorneys, health professionals, athletes and others who want to change how they respond to stressful situations in life.

Tohei Sensei (L), Maida Sensei (R)