Our aikido program began in 1982 as part of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation directed by Sensei Rich Olson, under the tutelage of George Simcox Sensei. In 1988 Jonathan Doner Sensei took over the Charlottesville program, as well as starting Ki-Aikido programs at UVa and in Harrisonburg.

In 1991 Doner Sensi and his students established Blue Ridge Ki-Aikido, the first permanent Aikido dojo in Charlottesville. In 2001, we became Blue Ridge Ki Society under the authorization of the International Ki Society in Tokyo, Japan. In 2003, BRKS became affiliated with the Midland Ki Federation under Chief Instructor Kashiwaya Sensei, 8th Dan.

Sensei Doner, a psychologist, currently holds the rank of Yondan (fourth level black belt) in Ki-Aikido and Joden (upper-level black belt) in the Unification of Mind and Body. In 1996 he was made an Associate Ki Lecturer by the International Ki Society.

For 28 years Blue Ridge Ki-Aikido has been a resource for hundreds of individuals in their personal exploration of mind and body. We look forward to the next stage of our evolution.

Blue Ridge Ki Society • P.O. Box 8255, Charlottesville • VA 22906