Ki for Health

氣の健康 — Ki no Kenko

Five Weeks to Calm, Focus, and Vitality Through the Inner Arts of Ki

Hillsboro, VA · Mondays in August, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

A Different Kind of Practice

Not everyone comes to the dojo looking for martial arts. Many people are drawn to the quieter, inner dimensions of Ki practice — the breathwork, the meditation, the deep relaxation — and what those practices can do for health, focus, and peace of mind.

Ki for Health (Ki no Kenko) is a five-week course designed specifically for those interested in the calming, restorative, and health-promoting aspects of Ki Development. There are no martial techniques, no self-defense drills, and no falling or rolling. Instead, each session guides you through the three core inner disciplines — Ki Breathing, Ki Meditation, and Kiatsu Therapy — in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

This course is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or current physical condition. No special equipment or clothing is required — just wear something light, loose, and comfortable, and bring a small cushion or towel if you like.

Reserve Your Spot — Just $59

What You'll Gain

These are practices you can take home and use for the rest of your life. Each week builds on the last, giving you a genuine foundation in skills that support lasting well-being.

Deep Relaxation

Learn breathing and meditation techniques that release tension and restore your natural calm — even on the most stressful days.

Mental Clarity & Focus

Develop the ability to quiet mental noise and bring full attention to what matters, improving decision-making and presence.

Stress Resilience

Build a toolkit of practices that help you respond to pressure with steadiness rather than reactivity.

Renewed Energy

Experience how proper breathing and Ki connection can recharge your body, even when you're feeling drained.

Better Sleep

The relaxation and breathing practices you learn can be used at home to quiet the mind and prepare for deep, restful sleep.

Physical Well-Being

Through gentle Kiatsu principles, learn how Ki connection supports the body's natural healing and balance.

Who Is This For?

This course was designed for people who want the benefits of Ki practice without the martial arts context. If any of these sound familiar, you're in the right place.

Health & Wellness Professionals

You work in healthcare, therapy, or wellness and want to deepen your understanding of mind-body coordination and energy-based healing. These practices offer a fresh lens on how relaxation and Ki connection support recovery and well-being.

Busy Professionals & Leaders

Your days are demanding and your mind rarely quiets down. These one-hour sessions give you practical tools to reset, refocus, and bring a calm, centered presence into high-stakes situations.

Athletes & Coaches

You already train your body — now train your mind-body connection. Ki breathing and meditation enhance performance by improving focus, recovery, and the ability to stay relaxed under pressure.

Anyone Seeking Calm & Balance

You don't need a professional reason to benefit. If you're simply looking for a practice that helps you feel more centered, energized, and at ease in your own skin, this course is for you.

Meet Your Instructor

Matt Doetsch-Kidder Sensei with Ki Society President Shinichi Tohei Sensei

Matt Doetsch-Kidder Sensei

Head Instructor, Loudoun Valley Ki Aikido

5th Dan (Godan) Black Belt • Joden (Upper Level Bodymind Oneness "Black Belt") • Certified Ki Lecturer

With over 25 years of Ki-Aikido practice, including intensive training at the headquarters dojo in Japan, Matt brings deep experience in all of the inner disciplines — Ki Breathing, Ki Meditation, and Kiatsu Therapy. He is a Certified Ki Lecturer through Ki no Kenkyukai (Ki Society HQ) and has taught these practices to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Matt's teaching style is warm, patient, and encouraging. He believes the inner arts of Ki are for everyone — not just martial artists — and takes pride in making these practices accessible, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.

"These practices have been the quiet foundation of my life for over two decades. They don't require you to be athletic or flexible or spiritually inclined. They just require you to show up with an open mind. Everything else unfolds naturally."
— Matt Doetsch-Kidder Sensei

The Three Disciplines You'll Learn

Each of the five sessions weaves together all three practices, building your comfort and depth week by week. Here's what each discipline offers:

Ki Breathing

氣の呼吸法 — Ki no Kokyuho

Ki breathing is a central practice for unifying mind and body and developing life power. Even when tired, this method of breathing quickly restores energy. Simple and accessible, it can be performed in almost any situation.

"Breathe out so that your breath travels infinitely to the ends of the Universe, breathe in so that your breath reaches your one point and continues infinitely there. Ki breathing is an important way of unifying mind and body." — Koichi Tohei Sensei

Five Principles:

Breathe out with the sound of HA, gradually and purposefully
Exhale as calmly and quietly as possible
At the end of each breath, Ki continues infinitely like a fading sound
Inhale from the tip of your nose until your body feels saturated
After inhaling, calm your mind infinitely at the One-Point

Ki Meditation

氣の意志法 — Ki no Ishiho

Being calm in daily life can be the difference between performing well and performing poorly. Ki Meditation focuses the mind to the one point in the lower abdomen. When the one point is infinitely condensed, mind and body are unified and true calmness is obtained.

"Ki is like the number one. The universal Ki condensed becomes an individual, which in turn condensed becomes the one point in the lower abdomen, which in turn infinitely condensed never becomes zero, but becomes One with the Universe." — Koichi Tohei Sensei

Five Principles:

Maintain a posture of mastery
Let go, release, and have a sense of freedom
Create an atmosphere of harmony
Be vividly aware of the spirit of life in the Universe itself
Feel the movement of the Ki of the Universe

Kiatsu Therapy

氣圧療法 — Kiatsu Ryoho

Kiatsu means "connecting with Ki." Rather than focusing on pressure points, Kiatsu directs Ki through lines or meridians that run throughout the body. By connecting with another person through Ki, you support their natural flow of energy and the healing power of the Ki of the Universe.

"Ki does not flow strongly in a person suffering from illness or misfortune. Let us practice Kiatsu to put Ki back into these people, stimulate their own flow of Ki, and give them a fresh start to happiness." — Koichi Tohei Sensei

Five Principles:

Extend Ki from the One-Point in the lower abdomen
Put no strength and have no tension in your body
Send Ki perpendicularly toward the center without forcing
Ki is connected infinitely at your fingertips
Concentrate on lines, rather than points

Your Five-Week Journey

Each Monday evening session runs from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in our peaceful Hillsboro dojo. The course is structured to give you a solid foundation you can continue practicing on your own long after the five weeks end.

We begin with the fundamentals in week one and gradually deepen your experience each week. By the end of the course, you'll have a personal practice toolkit you can draw on anytime — at home, at work, or wherever life takes you.

There's no homework, no tests, and no pressure. Just show up, participate at your own comfort level, and let the practices do their work.

What to Bring

Wear light, loose, comfortable clothing. No special uniform or equipment is needed. You may want to bring a small cushion or folded towel for seated meditation, and a notepad and pencil if you'd like to take notes.

Important: This course does not involve any martial arts techniques, self-defense practice, or physical contact beyond the gentle touch used in Kiatsu. It is suitable for all ages and physical conditions.

Your Questions Answered

It's natural to have questions when trying something new. Here are answers to common ones.

Do I need any prior experience with Ki or martial arts?

None at all. This course is designed for complete beginners. No experience with Ki Aikido, meditation, or any related practice is needed. You'll be learning alongside others who are also starting fresh.

Is this really non-martial?

Yes. There are absolutely no martial techniques, self-defense drills, falling, or rolling in this course. The focus is entirely on Ki Breathing, Ki Meditation, and Kiatsu Therapy as practices for health, relaxation, and well-being.

Do I need to be physically fit or flexible?

Not at all. These are gentle, accessible practices. You can sit on a chair for meditation if sitting on the floor is uncomfortable, and all breathing and Kiatsu exercises can be adapted to your needs. The course is suitable for all ages and physical conditions.

What should I wear?

Anything light, loose, and comfortable. Sweatpants and a t-shirt are perfect. No special uniform is required, and we practice barefoot. Just make sure your clothing allows you to breathe freely and sit comfortably.

Will I be able to continue practicing on my own after the course?

Absolutely. A key goal of this course is to give you practices you can take home and use independently. By the end of the five weeks, you'll know how to practice Ki Breathing, Ki Meditation, and basic Kiatsu on your own, and you'll have experienced enough to know which practices resonate most with you.

What if I miss a session?

We understand life happens. If you miss a session, your instructor will help you catch up at the start of the following class. Consistent attendance will give you the best experience, but a missed class won't leave you behind.

Is there any physical contact?

The only physical contact is the gentle touch used in Kiatsu practice — typically at the shoulders, back, or arms. All partner work is done with consent and at a comfort level that works for everyone. If you prefer not to participate in the hands-on Kiatsu portion, you're welcome to observe and learn the principles.

What happens after the five weeks?

You'll leave with a personal practice you can continue at home. If you'd like to go deeper, we offer ongoing Ki Breathing, Ki Meditation, and Kiatsu practice as part of our regular dojo training, and additional courses may be offered in the future. There's no obligation to continue — the course stands on its own as a complete introduction.

Join Us This August

Limited spots available to ensure a calm, personal experience for every participant.

Reserve Your Spot

Course Begins Monday, August 3rd

Five Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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Program Details

Duration: 5 Weeks — August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2026

Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Loudoun Valley Ki Aikido, Hillsboro Old Stone School
37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132

Investment: $59

Come See for Yourself

Come to the first session. If Ki for Health isn't what you expected, just let us know and we'll refund your full registration. No questions asked.

Reserve Your Spot — Pay $59 with Stripe

Questions? Reach us at hello@loudounaikido.com