Mădălina Ogica

My Ki Aikido Journey

I have been practicing the elegant art of Ki Aikido for over 17 years, and I firmly believe that Aikido found me rather than the other way around, as one of my teachers once said.

At 17, while still in high school and living in my small hometown, my friend's brother introduced me to Ki Aikido. From that moment, I couldn't stop thinking about it for the next five years. When I started university in Bucharest, I attended a trial class, initially as an observer. My curiosity and fascination grew, prompting me to join the practice the very next day, marking the start of a seven-year journey.

In August 2006, I became a member of the "Ki School" and had the privilege of studying under one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known, Cristian Ion Sensei. During this time, I committed to weekly practice and regularly attended international seminars in Bucharest, Frankfurt, and Paris with Mervyn Williams and Diana Williams Sensei.

By April 2014, through consistent effort, I established a strong foundation and achieved the rank of Nidan in Ki Aikido with the Ki School of Bucharest.

In December 2013, I relocated to Prague, where I trained with the Prague Ki Society, affiliated with the Japan HQ Ki Society, for five and a half years. This phase allowed me to revisit the fundamental principles of Ki Aikido, deepening my understanding and application.

Between 2017 and 2022, I underwent Ki development testing as a prerequisite for my Shodan examination with the Ki Society and actively participated in international seminars in the UK with Calvin Tabata Sensei (Oregon Ki Society).

In September 2019, I moved to Basel and continued training with both the Prague Ki Society and the Oregon Ki Society. Despite the pandemic, I stayed committed to my practice.

In 2020, I realized a dream by opening the Ki Aikido Basel Dojo. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we could not start regular classes as planned, and I had to postpone my Shodan exam within the Ki Society.

In November 2021, the Ki Aikido Basel Dojo launched two weekly classes, which I personally teach.

In October 2022, we organized our first seminar with Jaburek Sensei from Prague, accompanied by some of his students. During this event, two of my students successfully passed their first tests.

In April 2023, I was invited by the Oregon Ki Society to undertake the Shodan exam under the direct supervision of Calvin Tabata Sensei. Additionally, Ki Aikido Basel Dojo officially became affiliated with the Ki Society.

Looking ahead, I am excited for more enriching experiences, continuous learning, and personal development as I continue my Ki Aikido journey.