ABOUT
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that was developed during the first half of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), often referred to as O-Sensei. Aikido translates from Japanese into English as "the way of harmonizing energy.
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O-Sensei trained and became expert at various Japanese martial arts, including jujutsu and sword and spear arts. A profound spiritual experience led to his realization that the real way of the warrior is the Art of Peace.
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Aikido Hibiki is a part of Aikido Isshinkai Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the sincere study and practice of the fundamental principles of Aikido. 'Hibiki' translates from Japanese into English as 'vibration' or 'sound'. Every member regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or race is valued and welcome to practice given their abilities and limitations.
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Aikikai is the organization to which Aikido Isshinkai Association is associated and from which we receive our black belt rankings. Aikikai is directly related to the founder of aikido, O-sensei, and currently headed by O-sensei’s grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba. It is our connection to aikido's historical lineage and the global aikido community.
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Instructor Bio
Daniel Keisuke Nishina began aikido life at age 15 in the San Francisco Bay Area. In Japan, he practiced for a total of 14 years at the Aikikai world headquarters dojo (Hombu Dojo) and also led his own group in Tokyo for six years. He has translated a number of martial arts-related texts and interpreted internationally at seminars for various aikido masters including for the International Aikido Federation. He moved to Portland, Oregon in Fall 2019 to grow a new community.
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1991 - Began aikido in California at age 15 at Aikido of Fremont (Aiki Zenshin Dojo) under Sunny Skys sensei.
Initially practiced under the influence of Hikitsuchi shihan of Shingu. Subsequently the dojo joined Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and practice was influenced by Mitsugi Saotome shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda shihan.
Around 1996 - Visited and practiced at Aikikai Hombu Dojo several times, during which Nishina sensei had his first encounter with Seishiro Endo shihan. [Endo shihan’s demonstration from 1995]
1998 - Graduated from university and moved to Japan, beginning a period of practicing everyday, primarily at Hombu Dojo and also Endo sensei’s various practice venues.
2003 - Moved to Colorado and practiced under Ikeda shihan.
2009 - Formally became one of Endo shihan’s deshi. [2007 Washinton DC seminar][2015 All Japan Demonstration]
2011 - Moved to Japan. Continued practice at Hombu Dojo and Endo sensei’s various practice venues.
2019 - Moved to Portland, Oregon to continue the next chapter of aikido life, including establishing Portland practice group and dojo, and working with Isshinkai, the North America community of aikido practitioners who follow Endo Shihan’s teachings.
2023 - Received 6th dan from Endo shihan.