A dojo can be measured by the quality and experience of its instructors.
The balance of consistency and variety is often difficult to strike. However, the Austin Ki Aikido Center strives always to provide the level and quality of instruction that new and experienced Aikidoists require.
AKAC offers a 4-week introductory program that affords new students the opportunity to experience the range of teaching available, as well as to determine how well the classes meet their individual schedule needs. In keeping with the cooperative nature of the dojo, all instructors are voluntary.
Kathey Ferland, Yondan (4th Dan), with Chuden Ki rank
Ferland Sensei is the lead instructor for the Austin Ki Aikido Center. Practicing since 1979, she offers an acute knowledge of Ki and Aikido principles.
Michael Farris, Sandan, with Shoden Ki rank
Farris Sensei stumbled upon Aikido in 1966 and was introduced to it during an six-week class at the University of Texas in 1976. He began his current practice at the dojo in 1986. Farris maintains a public blog at: Streamed Rice Journal
Eloise Gadus, Nidan, with Shoden Ki rank
Eloise began her Aikido journey in 1991 at the Austin KI Aikido Center. In college she had trained in Western Fencing and competed in that sport on an intramural level. As such the use of weapons in Aikido as training tools continues to feed a long-standing interest.
Jason Rosenblum, Nidan, with Jokyu Ki rank
Jason has been practicing Ki Aikido since 1998 and has been teaching at AKAC since 2002. Jason has started a blog called Adaptable Arts to explore his Aikido practice and its relationship with other creative pursuits.
Lauren Crane, Nidan, with Jokyu Ki rank
Lauren began Aikido practice in 1979 and joined the Austin Ki Aikido Center in 1985. In 1993 he undertook an extended hiatus to start a family and a work relocation, returning to practicing and teaching at the Center in late 2004. Lauren also holds a Shodan rank in Tomiki Aikido, and a 3rd Gup rank in the art of Tang Soo Do.
Janet Swisher, Nidan, with Jokyu Ki rank
I began practicing at AKAC in 1995, in part because I lived three blocks away. Through that serendipity, I discovered that Ki Aikido meshes closely with my values. I've continued through various life transitions -- I now travel across town to the dojo -- because Aikido nourishes me on multiple levels. I enjoy that I'm still discovering Aikido, and I try to share that with other students.
