Free ki-aikido workshop set

Senior aikido instructor Takashi Nonaka, Sensei, 9th Dan, Ki Society, will oversee a free public workshop May 31 at the Waiakea Recreation Center.

Practicing since 1955 with master Koichi Tohei and his students, Nonaka is the only instructor living outside Japan to currently hold the ninth degree rank in Ki Society.

Also instructing will be his son, Eric Nonaka, 7th dan, assistant chief instructor of the Hawaii Ki Federation and head instructor of the Mililani Dojo.

The workshop is scheduled for 8 a.m.-noon and is sponsored by nonprofit Hilo Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. The Waiakea Recreation Center is at 1634 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. Ki lecture and training begin at 8 a.m., followed by ki-aikido at 9:15 a.m. A children’s class (for ages 6-12) will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a promotion ceremony for Hilo students.

To reserve a spot, contact David Kaneshiro at 430-1691 or email DavidKaneshiro@aol.com.