Learn from talented instructors
Experience over 25 years of Aikido proficiency
Our Legacy
Kokikai, a style of Aikido, was founded by Sensei Shuji Maruyama. It focuses on developing natural movement, balance, relaxation, correct posture and mind-body coordination. A driving principle of the Kokikai style is "minimum effort for maximum effect."
Maruyama trained directly under Koichi Tohei and eventually under Morihei Ueshiba (O-sensei) while attending Nippon University in Tokyo. He was then sent to the United States in 1966 by the Aikikai Hombu dojo. He taught in the US for many years, and then followed Koichi Tohei when he left Aikikai to found Ki-Aikido. Maruyama then separated from Ki-Aikido in 1986 to found the Kokikai organization. Today, there is the global organization Kokikai Aikido International, and the Aikido Kokikai Federation. The official Kokikai website lists dojos in Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, Russia and 19 US states.
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”
Jason Martin Sensei
Jason Martin Sensei began his training over 25 years ago directly under Sensei Shuji Maruyama, at Kokikai-Ryu Aikido's World Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. He has taught both beginner and advanced adult classes since 2001.
Over the years he developed his skill with intense training at the Northeast dojo.
He currently holds the rank of 7th degree black belt (Nanadan/Shichidan 七段). He is also an instructor and lifetime member at the Keystone dojo, which is currently the U.S. hombu dojo.
“Power of mind is infinite while brawn is limited.”
Koichi Tohei
Chris Vinciguerro
Chris Vinciguerro began his training under Jim O'brien through an adult continuing education community program. After his introduction to Kokikai sessions had ended, he then joined the Northeast dojo and continued his training under Jason Martin sensei. He currently teaches beginner adult classes at Chester County Kokikai and holds the rank of 5th degree black belt (Godan)
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Bruce Lee
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Adult Instructor at Chester County Kokikai Dojo
Marc Zucchelli
Marc began his training in Kokikai Aikido in 2011. He currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt and instructs the adult class on Tuesday nights.
Kids Class Instructor at Chester County Kokikai Dojo
Mike Johnson
Mike currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt (Sandan) and teaches the kids class on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
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Jason Koser
Kids class Instructor at Chester County Kokikai dojo
Jason started his training when the school was located in West Chester, PA along with his two children.
He continues his training along with helping his fellow students grow. He currently co-teaches the kids class and holds the rank of 1st kyu (brown belt).
