The events leading up to the split between the main aikido organization, the Aikikai, and Tohei were fueled with the death of
Morihei Ueshiba in 1969. His son
Kisshomaru Ueshiba inherited the title of
Doshu. At the time of Ueshiba's death, Tohei was chief instructor of the
Hombu Dojo, the headquarters of Aikikai, a title he retained until his official split from Aikikai in 1974. One of the major causes of the conflict arose from Tohei's emphasis on his principle of ki in aikido. Tohei wanted aikido to focus on these principles, using exercises to both cultivate and test ki in the daily aikido practice. He had already started teaching his new ideas during his own training sessions at Hombu dojo, but the majority of the other instructors would not. There were some who agreed with Tohei's approach, but Tohei's actions were not welcomed by Kisshomaru and most of the senior instructors. They strongly encouraged him not to teach his principles and techniques in the Hombu Dojo. Tohei replied that he had the right to teach it outside Hombu Dojo, which he did. But the tensions remained among the senior cadre of instructors, who still did not approve of Tohei's focus upon ki. These brewing tensions together with Tohei's general dissatisfaction with the situation culminated in 1971 when he created the
Ki No Kenkyukai, with the purpose of promoting the development and cultivation of ki inside aikido, but outside the Aikikai "umbrella". The years of conflict finally cemented Tohei's decision to break away from the Aikikai and teach his own 'ki' style of aikido. On 1 May 1974, Koichi Tohei officially left the Aikikai organization to concentrate on his newly created Ki-aikido and Ki-society. On 15 May 1974, Tohei sent a letter in English and Japanese to the majority of the dojos both in Japan and abroad, explaining his reasons for the breakaway and his plans involving Ki-aikido and the Ki-society. This breakup came as a shock to many aikidoka throughout the dojos of the world. Tohei was well regarded by many instructors and students. He was seen as the foremost sensei of Aikido after Ueshiba's death. This, in turn, led to several dojos breaking with the Aikikai and joining Tohei in his new style. Tohei's new objective was to coordinate all the dojos who joined him and incorporate them into the organization of
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido: "Aikido with Mind and Body Coordinated". This branch of aikido is still active today even though Tohei himself retired from the day-to-day business of the Ki-aikido section and then concentrated solely on the Ki-society and further personal development of ki.
Notable students Both before and during his position as head instructor at the Hombu Dojo, Tohei instructed many notable aikidoka. Several of these have since made lasting impacts on aikido in general. Among these are (in alphabetical order): • Christopher Curtis, 8th Dan, Chief Instructor, Hawaii Ki Federation, Ki Society Advisor, Europe •
Shizuo Imaizumi, 7th Dan Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, who founded the independent Shin Budo Kai style of aikido. •
Harry Kiyoshi Ishisaka, founder of the Orange County Aiki Kai in California in 1964 •
Roderick Kobayashi, 6th Dan, founder of
Seidokan Aikido. •
Koretoshi Maruyama, former Chief Instructor and President of Ki Society, who has since founded the independent
Aikido Yuishinkai style of aikido. •
Shuji Maruyama, founder of
Kokikai Aikido •
Alan Ruddock, 6th Dan, introduced Aikido to Ireland, founder of the Aiki no Michi. •
Steven Seagal, 7th Dan, American action movie actor, producer, writer, director and a Blues singer-songwriter. • David Shaner, 8th Dan, Chief Instructor, Eastern Ki Federation, Ki Society Advisor, the Eastern Europe/Russia Ki-Aikido •
Roy Y. Suenaka, 8th Dan, founder of Wadokai Aikido • Shin'ichi Suzuki, 9th Dan, Head Instructor, Maui Ki Aikido Federation •
Jon Mamoru Takagi, 6th Dan, founder of Arizona Aikikai. •
Fumio Toyoda, 6th Dan, founder of the Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International. ==Death==