Instructors
Dr. Donald Enoki, 7th dan
Chief Instructor
James Peters, 4th dan
Instructor
Peters Sensei holds a 4th degree black belt (yondan) in Yuishinkai Aikido and in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, and a Shoden in Ki Development.
Peters Sensei has practiced Aikido for over 20 years. He began his aikido training in 1989 at Honolulu Ki Society, where he trained in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido for 16 years under Seichi Tabata Sensei. In 2006 after hearing about the new and improved Yuishinkai Aikido, founded by Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei, Peters Sensei joined Noelani Ki Aikido under Chief Instructor Donald Enoki Sensei.
Peters Sensei graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1981 with a BFA degree in graphic design. He is the president and owner of James Peters Design, Inc. He resides in Aiea, Hawaii with his wife Cathy and 2 daughters Caitlin and Hayley. His third daughter, Ashlee, lives and works in San Francisco as a graphic artist.
“Studying aikido through the principles of Yuishinkai Aikido helps develop an effective self-defense skill that isn't dependent on strength or size. This gives us an opportunity to improve ourselves and our technique throughout our lifetime, even as our physical abilities fade with age.”
Vernon Lum, 3rd dan
Instructor
Lum Sensei holds a 3rd degree black belt (sandan) in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido and Yuishinkai Aikido.
Lum Sensei has practiced Aikido for over 21 years. He began his Aikido training in 1988, with the Maui Ki Society, where he trained in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido for 4 years with Shinichi Suzuki Sensei. In 1991, after moving to Honolulu, Lum Sensei joined Noelani Ki Aikido under Chief Instructor Donald Enoki Sensei.
“Suzuki Sensei was one of the most inspiring instructors that I ever practiced with. He lived Aikido 24/7. He did Ki breathing daily for hours at his home and we practiced Misogi weekly at his dojo. I think Suzuki Sensei’s internal strength was very strong because of this. He used to tell us to “breathe, breathe...” and “Don't worry, be happy”.”