More About the Dojo...

The Kyoseikan Dojo was designed and is operated as a traditional martial arts establishment. Members adhere to the customs, values, and behavior associated with belonging to a professional training center. Our members do not push potential students or visitors into joining one of our programs. Those who have a sincere desire to train in one of our programs will join based on what they see, hear and feel when they visit our Dojo, not as a result of pressure or gimmicks.

Potential students are not currently asked to provide letters of reference, but should be prepared to meet with their instructor before they begin training. This initial meeting serves many purposes. First it gives the student and instructor the chance to get to know one another and discuss the students goals. Second it provides the student with a chance to have questions about training answered by the instructor. Lastly, it allows students to see that martial arts instructors of any level are simply people who are there to help the student succeed.

Our History

The Kyoseikan Dojo began as The Peninsular Aikido Club, located downtown Grand Rapids in 2004.  Bill and Amy Bennett were our first two members, and we are proud to say that they remain as two of our most dedicated students and trusted dojo advisors.

In 2005 the Peninsular Club’s athletic location became unstable and we retained space at the University Club about two blocks north of our original location.  Dan and Chris Grady joined the dojo at that time.  Chris has taken some time off from Aikido due to his heavy school load and high school sports. Dan is recovering from a broken foot but plans to be back on the mat soon.  ( All the best Dan, get well soon)

In the spring of 2005, the MVP Sportsplex opened on the West side of Grand Rapids athletic club. We were selected as the only martial arts program in the MVP Sportsplex. With this additional location, Craig Belrose joined the dojo and took on the responsibilities of the senior student.  With the addition of a Youth Aikido Program 2 days a week, and the availability of two additional days of training, the Bennetts became regulars at the new location.  Chris Garza also returned to training after a lay-off of a couple of years.

September of 2006 we moved to 401 Hall St. where we built our Headquarters Dojo.  We moved the University Club program to the David D. Hunting YMCA on the corner of US-131 and Pearl St. and added a Youth Aikido program to that location.  Craig Belrose took over as lead instructor of the MVP Sportsplex and Chris Garza took on duties as assistant instructor for kids classes at the Kyoseikan Headquarters and the YMCA. 

With the Headquarters Dojo open and offering a full load of Aikido classes for kids and adults, as well as both Aikido Clubs growing stronger each session, we are moving forward as planned. 

As of November 2006 our youth program has continued to grow and several orange belts are rolling around 3 days a week.

Women's Self Defense has been on the drawing board for some time and now with our own space the program is doing very well.

Through our relationship with Sifu Sam Chan from Chan's Kung Fu School, we gained a great Wing Chun & MMA instructor in Tom Fick.  Tom has been a student under Sifu Chan for years and is one of his senior instrucors at their main school.  We are pleased to have Tom and his energetic group of students as members of the dojo.

Zen training is a strong influence in our Dojo history.  We are very pleased to have the areas only formal Rinzai Zen Center.  Thanks to Kevin Holohan and his efforts, our Zen program is alive and well, and growing. 

It is with this core group of dynamic personalities that the dojo derives it’s life, spirit and personality.

Thank you to all of our students for your patience, commitment and many contributions.

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