Dojo History
The roots of our dojo reach back to 1979, when Barbara Bloom began teaching Aikido through the Lawrence Parks and Recreation program in Lawrence, Kansas. When she later left Lawrence, the dojo was entrusted to a small group of dedicated students who wished to continue the practice.
One of those students, MaryAnn Stewart, played an important role in the dojo's early development. While spending time in Boulder, Colorado, she reached out to Koichi Kashiwaya Sensei, who graciously agreed to guide the young dojo. Over the years, Kashiwaya Sensei visited Lawrence regularly, offering instruction and encouragement to the developing community of students. His support continued for many decades until his retirement in 2025.
After MaryAnn Stewart left Lawrence, leadership of the dojo passed to Dr. Andrew T. Tsubaki, who was born in Japan and served on the faculty of the University of Kansas Theater Department. Under Tsubaki Sensei's guidance, the dojo developed a deeper connection to Japanese culture and tradition.
During this time, the dojo moved from the Parks and Recreation program to become an Aikido club at the University of Kansas. When the club's leaders prepared to graduate, they wished to continue their training beyond the university and asked Tsubaki Sensei if they could establish a city dojo. He agreed to serve as the head instructor, and the Kansas Ki Society was formed.
Our current head instructor, Andrew Lebar Sensei, was one of the graduating students involved in founding the Kansas Ki Society.
Tsubaki Sensei brought to the dojo a deep appreciation for Japanese tradition and an attention to detail shaped in part by his training in Noh theater. That spirit of precision, patience, and respect for tradition continues to guide the dojo today.
Three Kanko
The name of our dojo reflects an idea that guides our training: Three Kanko.
In Zen tradition, the Three Kanko represent three qualities needed for any meaningful path of practice:
- The courage to begin
- The determination to continue
- The discipline to make practice a habit
These principles remind us that progress in Aikido does not come from force, but from patient and consistent practice. Day by day, step by step, the path unfolds.
In this way, the spirit of the dojo continues carried forward by each generation of students who begin, continue, and make the practice their own.
If you are interested in experiencing training in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido in Lawrence, Kansas, we invite you to visit our dojo and observe a class.
View training hours or contact the dojo to learn more.
Experience the tradition.