Jonathan Poppele

Head Instructor

Godan (5th Degree Black Belt): Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Joden: Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Jonathan Poppele has studied Ki-Aikido since 1994, and has served as Head Instructor of Minnesota Ki-Aikido since 2007. Poppele Sensei has over three decades of experience in movement arts, meditation and mind-body training. He holds a Masters Degree in Conservation Biology and Conflict Management and has taught both writing and biology at the University of Minnesota. He is a Full Ki Lecturer and Associate Examiner in the International Ki Society.

E-mail Poppele Sensei

Kirsten Welge

Assistant Head Instructor

Foundations classes, Community Education & Outreach

Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt): Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Jokyu: Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Kirsten Welge began training in Ki-Aikido in 2012. Through intensive study, she experienced greater awareness, connection, and wholeness than she thought possible. In gratitude, she applies these principles to help those around her grow, develop, and flourish. Kirsten holds a Masters in Public Health in Healthcare Management, and served in consultant and manager roles to improve safety and quality of patient care in hospitals and clinics from 2007-2020. She is an Assistant Ki Lecturer and Assistant Examiner in the International Ki Society. 

E-mail Kirsten

Rich Fryling

Chief Instructor: Eastern Ki Federation

Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt): Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Joden: Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Rich Fryling is the Chief Instructor of the Eastern Ki Federation.

David Shaner

Senior Advisor: Eastern Ki Federation

Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt): Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Okuden: Shinshin Toitsudo (Ki Development)

Shaner Sensei is the Chief Instructor Emeritus of the Eastern Ki Federation, and was an uchi deshi (live-in student) for Ki Society founder Koichi Tohei Sensei. He is emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies at Furman University and is the author or editor of over 40 books including Living with the Wind at Your Back: Seven Arts to Positively Transform Your Life. Shaner Sensei has also been a Fulbright Scholar in India, a Crown Prince Akihito Scholar, an Andrew W. Mellon Faculty Fellow in the Humanities at Harvard University, and a corporate business consultant. Currently he is the Principal of CONNECT, LLC.