RON CHARPENTIER SENSEI
Sandan/Shoden
“I have studied Ki-Aikido in the Denver area since 1984. In my ‘other life’, I am a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. I credit ki training with helping me face public speaking and other demands of my life.”
LANCE MCCLURE SENSEI
Sandan/Shoden
“I started aikido consistantly in 1991 with Rocky Mountain Ki Society. Aikido has enabled me to work and live in a calmer more compassionate way. I have used this calmness and awareness as a great resource as a teacher in the public schools. I have been teaching aikido to kids since 1995. My original instructor was Russell Jones Sensei. I have also worked with other amazing instructors including Kashiwaya Sensei, Kevin Eva Sensei, and Russ Smith Sensei. My current rank is 3rd Dan as of 2005. In the year 2000, I went to Japan for World Camp with Tohei Sensei. Thanks to all those who have helped me along the way.”
DEREK NABEL SENSEI
Yondan/Chuden
“I was a sick and unhappy child. As soon as I would think a thought my mind would immediately think of the opposite point of view also, and I would get very frustrated. As I grew up I struggled and really needed some sense of direction. Fortunately, I began to study Ki-Aikido in college during the summer of 1993. At first, Ki-Aikido only seemed like good exercise and a fun diversion. The more I studied however, subtle calming changes occurred in my daily life. Realizing how good it was for me I began an intensive apprenticeship where I studied Ki-Aikido full time, 7 days a week for three years. During this time I learned how to use my mind and my body positively. I became very healthy and my willpower improved dramatically. Following this deep period of practice, I was given some teaching duties. Since then I have done my best to spread this positive way of life and dynamic martial art. In order to keep learning and developing, each year I make a trip to Japan and visit top instructors in the U.S. I look forward to the opportunity to meet new students so we can grow together.”
JENNIFER PETKUS SENSEI
Shodan/Jokyu
“A friend had been pestering me to try Ki-Aikido for years, and she was finally successful in Christmas 1996 after she showed me the first jo taigi (a series of movements with a wooden staff). It looked like something Xena would do! I was hooked. But I soon realized Ki-Aikido was a lot more than swinging a stick. And I’m not talking about learning how to defend yourself, being more confident or learning to recognize an opponent as a partner, although that’s important. For me, it’s more about meeting a really fascinating group of people and forming lifelong friendships and having a lot of fun. As I often say, it’s not the easiest martial art to learn but it’s the most fun you can have while feeling inept. And after 10 years, I still feel inept and I still enjoy it. Outside of Ki-Aikido, I’m a web designer, woodworker and frustrated novelist.”