Aikido of Hilo
Klein Sensei
Barbara Klein is Chief Instructor at Aikido of Hilo.
Barbara and Robert instruct most classes.
Both are Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt) of the Aikikai Foundation and have 50 years of aikido experience.
Barbara and Robert Klein began aikido training under Eddie Hagihara Sensei of Long Island Aikikai in New York and studied with Howard Pashenz and Edgar Kann, instructors of the Long Island Aikido Assn. in Suffolk County. They also visited New York Aikikai often for regular training and seminars.
Under the regional shihan, Yoshimitsu Yamada of New York, NY and Mitsunari Kanai of Cambridge, MA, they attended annual Summer Camps of the USAF Eastern Region, learning from many visiting sensei.
In 1975, Robert began study of chiropractic near Chicago and the Kleins began practice under Akira Tohei Sensei, shihan of the Midwest Region. Training weekly at the Midwest Aikido Center, they also taught at the Glen Ellyn Aikido Club.
In 1980, they moved to Hilo, Hawaii and founded Aikido of Hilo. Since that time, the Kleins have studied under three Hawaii shihan, Sadao Yoshioka, Takaji Ishida and Robert Aoyagi, under the numerous sensei of the
Aikikai Hombu who enjoy visiting Hawaii and under the Aikido Doshu (Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba).
Geography and Aikido History have favored Hawaii. There are many dojos and a large number of senior sensei locally, in addition to the numerous visitors we receive. Information and links to many dojos are at the Aikido Hawaii site.
The Kleins continue to travel for further training, whenever possible, to seminars and camps in throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and frequently to Japan. Their teaching reflects the influence from a multitude of sources which all contribute to our harmonious practice.
In addition to aikido, Barbara Klein teaches classes in Qigong, a related exercise system working with energy to enhance health and vitality. She has been practicing these methods for over 17 years.
The Kleins also operate Klein Natural Health and Wellness Center, providing high quality natural health care for Hilo, Hawaii. Offerings include Chiropractic care, Naturopathic medicine, Oriental medicine/Acupuncture and Massage therapy.