Jonathan Poppele

Co-Head Instructor
Founder of The Center for Mind-Body Oneness
Nidan (2^nd Degree Black Belt): Shinshin Toitsu Aikido
Shoden: Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Jonathan Poppele has studied Ki-Aikido since 1994, and is the founder of the Center for Mind-Body Oneness. He became a student of Shaner Sensei in 2004 and under Shaner Sensei’s guidance earned two gold medals in the 2004 International Ki Aikido Exhibition, together with his taigi partner, Matt Doetsch-Kidder. Poppele Sensei has over two decades of experience in movement arts and mind-body training, including dance, athletics, circus arts, and hands-on healing. He holds a Masters Degree in Conservation Biology and Conflict Management and teaches writing and biology at the University level. He is an Assistant Ki Lecturer and Assistant Examiner in the International Ki Society.

Patrick Tarry

Co-Head Instructor
Sandan (3^rd Degree Black Belt)
Shoden in Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Patrick Tarry was introduced to Ki-Aikido while a sophomore at Furman University. After graduating, he moved to Japan speaking only the Japanese he had learned in Aikido. He stayed in Japan for two and a half years, studying Aikido, teaching English, and eventually working in corporate Japan for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. He returned to Japan two years later for an internship with Nissan Motors as part of his MBA in International Business. After completing his MBA in 2001, he moved to Minnesota to work for Honeywell in Human Resources and joined the Minnesota Ki Society. Tarry sensei is an Assistant Ki Lecturer and Assistant Examiner in the International Ki Society.

Mike Waltz

Adjunct Instructor--Japanese Calligraphy
Yondan (4^th degree Black Belt) in Japanese Calligraphy

Michael Waltz began as a self-taught student of Shodo, using a variety of books as a guide. His passion for the art led him to join the Japan Calligraphy Education Foundation, the largest calligraphy education association in Japan. After many years of study, he was awarded the rank of 4th dan and earned a teaching certification that qualifies him to teach calligraphy in Japanese public schools. Waltz Sensei began studying with the Minnesota Ki Society in 2007 to help improve his calligraphy. At the same time he changed calligraphy schools and now studies through Meito Shodo Kai. Along with extensive research into calligraphy, he has also studied with the noted artist, peace activist and Dogen scholar, Kazuaki Tanahashi.

Niko Salgado

Assistant Instructor
Shodan (1^st degree Black Belt)
Jokyu in Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)