January 2026 Newsletter

Written By Kento Naito

Our New Newsletter! 


This is the inaugural issue of the Eugene Dojo News, part of our larger outreach effort devoted to providing information of interest to Eugene Ki Society members and dojo supporters. The newsletter will be published in January and July 2026, available both in print in the dojo (and mailed to those who do not usually come to the dojo), and will be sent out electronically, as well.

Class Days & Times:

Kids Ki/Aikido: 

  • M/W 5-6pm (6-11yrs), 6-7pm (12-17yrs)

Adult Ki: 

  • M/W 7-8pm

  • Th 4:30-5:30pm

Adult Aikido:

  • M/W 8-9pm

Adult Ki/Kiatsu®:

  • Tu 5pm-7pm

  • Th 4:30-6:30pm

Migraine Prevention (msg Copperman Sensei first)

  • Th 3-4:15pm


For intros: see website to message instructors)  

Sensei’s Words

Hello Eugene family! Let me update you on  training. The children's program has always been special, and it is even more special to me now that I am back teaching with Simpson Sensei on Mondays and Wednesdays. Having both of us on the mat allows us to individualize the training to the needs of the children, a great asset especially when we have new students or are preparing the children for testing.  Teri is truly a wonderful children's instructor, and it is a pleasure for me to be back on the mat with her. Teaching kids respect, posture, and concentration while improving their self-confidence and their physical abilities is so gratifying!

The adult program has had a similar change, with both me and Karen Fabiano teaching the adult classes. Congratulations to Karen, who just earned her Sandan rank (3rd degree black belt!) This has allowed us to prepare and promote students to higher rank. The training continues to improve as Tabata Sensei and Tohei Sensei have developed KI training and Ki-Aikido to higher and higher levels of understanding. Exercises in mind-body unification that took years to be able to perform before can now be taught to and done by newer students in months. Ki-Aikido is a wonderful way to practice being peaceful and strong in a world where there is much conflict.

Our Kiatsu® program, teaching and practicing using Ki for health, is significantly better than it was before, and with the addition of Tuesday night training by Steve Frankel Sensei as well as my Thursday class students can now come to this very enjoyable class twice a week. We have kept our fees very low, thanks to being an all-volunteer organization and to our foresight in building our own dojo 30 years ago, so the four hours a week of training only costs $65 a month. 

Tabata Sensei and I did a scientific study using Ki Training and Kiatsu for prevention of migraine headaches and published our results in 2021: 53 % reduction in migraine frequency and an increase in migraine-specific quality of life scores from 45 to 85 out of 100! And we have gotten better since then.

I am offering a class on migraine and headache prevention on Thursdays prior to our Kiatsu® training. The class is very individualized and is open to anyone who has significant problems with migraine or stress headaches. I am looking for students for that class, so if you or someone you know has been suffering from migraines or stress headaches, please contact us through our website or by phone.

The universe is full of energy (Ki). Wishing you a calm mind, a positive spirit, and lots of Plus Ki for the New Year!  — Copperman Sensei


Winter & Spring Events

January 4 - Misogi: start the New Year with Ki. This event is open to all dojo members and their families. A lively and community-building way to start the year.

Misogi 9:30-10:00. Ki training 10:30-11:30. Toast 11:30. Lunch 12:00-2:00. 

February 20-22 - Kiatsu® Seminar 

Regular seminar; open to beginners.

April 18 - Taigi Shinsakai; training exhibition.

May 2-3 - Spring Camp

Sat. morning: Ki with limited Aikido

Sat. afternoon: choice of Aikido or Kiatsu®

Sun. all day: Ki and Kiatsu®
June 12-14 - Shinichi Tohei Sensei Portland visit. (World-class Ki and Aikido training for instructors).

Kento Naito