Discover the grace and relaxation of Kokikai Aikido
About Kokikai Aikido
Kokikai Aikido is a non-violent modern martial art for self-defense suitable for human beings of all ages and physical abilities. The Kokikai sub-style developed by Shuji Maruyama Sensei is a soft style of Aikido focused on efficiency and effectiveness, using body mechanics to maximum effect.
The practice of Kokikai Aikido is done in a dojo with tatami mats protecting the floor as students practice in pairs and small groups, taking turns throwing their training partners and taking falls in a safe and controlled manner. Students learn starting in their first class to practice safely, take care of their training partners, and fall safely.
Practioners strive to improve their techniques to harmoniously resolve conflict situations following the four basic principles:
Keep One Point (to develop calmness)
Relax progressively
Find correct posture (in everything)
Develop positive mind
Kokikai Aikido principles can be applied on and off the training mat, improving quality of life as practitioners gain body coodination and self confidence that apply in all types of life situations.
Kokikai Aikido is particularly well-suited for both athletes and people less accustomed to sports. Athletes and beginners alike benefit from finer body and muscle control combined with work on posture and movement efficiency.
Currently only adult classes are offered to practioners over 16 years of age.
The difference between Kokikai and other styles of Aikido
Kokikai is different from other styles of Aikido because it concentrates on minimal effort from the practitioner. The style aims to leverage correct posture and comfortable application of force to their maximum effect in self defence and the control of one’s environment.
This difference is significant because it makes the style more accessible and less reliant on strength or body type. Everyone can do Kokikai Aikido, and everyone can excel at Kokikai Aikido.
About the instructor
Kim Comer is a black belt in Kokikai Aikido and has been practicing for 18 years. She started training in Kokikai Aikido in the United States with Rick Berry Sensei in the Swarthmore dojo and later with Robert Choy Sensei in San Francisco. Kim has now practiced and taught Aikido on four continents. With extensive experience in adult education and sports training, Kim is founder and president of the Kokikai Aikido Paris Association, and chief instructor of the dojo.
Kim is bilingual in French and English and has lived in Paris since 2020.