An Open Invitation to All Ki Society Members

Please join the Eastern Ki Federation for the 2025 International Ki Conference taught by Shinichi Tohei Sensei.

We will also be joined by Mrs. Sachiko Tohei and Mr. Hideo Ohara.

Save the Date
July 24 – 27, 2025
Location
Greenville, South Carolina, USA

Since childhood, Shinichi Tohei Sensei was guided and taught by his father Soshu Koichi Tohei Sensei. As successor, he is engaged in an effort to spread the teaching of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido in Japan and Overseas.

General Registration Is Now Open!

Seminar Fee

Before December 31, 2024

$395

Before April 1, 2025

$450

After April 1, 2025

$500

Seminar Schedule

We are offering 45 minute Ki Breathing Sessions at Hei-Sei-Ji (The Place of Peace) each morning Thursday – Sunday from 8:00am to 8:45am. Each day the limit is 20 attendees (zabuton limit). For more information about Hei-Sei-Ji, please see this section of the website below.

The seminar fee includes attendance at one of two planned evening socials. By hosting two separate socials for our guests from Japan (with limited attendance for each – one per attendee), we will be creating two smaller venues facilitating more direct and informal interaction with our guests – – Shinichi Tohei Sensei, Sachiko Tohei, and Hideo Ohara Sensei.

All reservations on are a first come, first served basis.

Thursday
July 24

8:00 – 8:45
Ki Breathing
Hei-Sei-Ji

10:00 – 12:30
Training

12:30 – 2:30
Lunch

2:30 – 5:00
Training

Friday
July 25

8:00 – 8:45
Ki Breathing
Hei-Sei-Ji

10:00 – 12:30
Training

12:30 – 2:30
Lunch

2:30 – 5:00
Training

6:30 – 8:30
Dinner Social A

Saturday
July 26

8:00 – 8:45
Ki Breathing
Hei-Sei-Ji

10:00 – 12:30
Training and
Advanced Ki Tests

12:30 – 2:30
Lunch

2:30 – 5:00
Training

6:30 – 8:30
Dinner Social B

Sunday
July 27

8:00 – 8:45
Ki Breathing
Hei-Sei-Ji

10:00 – 12:30
Training

Location

Younts Conference Center
Furman University
2005 Rugby Rd
Greenville, South Carolina

Hei-Sei-Ji : The Place of Peace

Early morning breathing and meditation sessions at the Place of Peace on the Furman University Campus are included in the Conference schedule. We are limited to 20 participants per day. Reservations are on a first come first served basis.

The Place of Peace is the first Japanese temple ever to be dismantled and reconstructed in America.

Built in 1984, this inter-generational temple, Hei-Sei-Ji, was standing in Nagoya, Japan. The three characters over the front door are displayed on the original family plaque. In 2004, it was donated by the Tsuzuki family and was dismantled into more than 2,400 pieces. In 2008, it was transported through the Panama Canal to the Furman University campus where it was reconstructed by Japanese craftsmen.

The Place of Peace and the adjoining Asia Garden are designed to stimulate your experience of connection to the earth and all the peoples of the world.

Note: the calligraphy at the Shomen was written by Soshu, Koichi Tohei Sensei

Shinpо̄ Uchurei Kanno Soku Genjo

Temple Dedication: Hei-Sei-Ji

Hei-Sei-Ji: The Place of Peace in Four Seasons

Local Airports

Kindly plan to arrange your own transportation between the airports, hotels, and the Younts Conference Center at Furman University.

Greenville / Spartanburg
(GSP)

20 miles from Furman

Closest airport to venue

Fewer direct flights in

Generally more expensive to connect into

Charlotte, North Carolina
CLT

1.5 hours from Furman

Easier to fly into than Greenville, Closer than Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia
(ATL)

2.5 hours from Furman

Major international hub airport for Delta and SkyTeam airlines

Not as easy to get from airport to venue

Local Accommodations

We have put together a small list of local hotels conveniently located close to the Furman campus and in Downtown Greenville, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.

Participants may also consider exploring options on AirBnB or VRBO.

Hampton Inn Travelers Rest

3.3 miles to Furman
Best value close to Furman

We have secured a block of 15 rooms (standard king or two queen) for July 23 – 27. Reservations must be booked by June 23, 2025.

When booking, reference “2025 International Ki Conference” or use this link.

593 Roe Center Court
Travelers Rest, SC 29690

+1 (864) 834-5550

Swamp Rabbit Inn, Travelers Rest

3.4 miles to Furman
Modern Bed & Breakfast
Limited rooms

426 S. Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC 29690

+1 (864) 345-7990

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Greenville -Taylors

6.7 miles to Furman
Good value about 10 minutes from Furman

2025 Wade Hampton Boulevard
Greenville, SC 29615

+1 (864) 800-5600

The Grand Bohemian Lodge
Autograph Collection

6.5 miles from Furman
Greenville’s newest luxury Five Star hotel
Heart of Downtown Greenville Riverfront

44 E Camperdown Way
Greenville, SC 29601

+1 (864) 520-5300

The Westin Poinsett

6.3 miles from Furman
Historic luxury hotel in Downtown Greenville

120 S Main St.
Greenville, SC 29601

+1 (864) 421-9700

Hampton Inn & Suites at Riverplace

6.3 miles from Furman
On the Reedy River near restaurants and art galleries

171 Riverplace
Greenville, SC 29601

+1 (864) 271-8700

FAQs

Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend?

We are able to provide a full refund of your International Ki Conference Registration Fee up until April 1^st 2025. After that date, we can not guarantee a refund unless we are able to successfully secure the registration of a replacement attendee.

How will updates be distributed about the International Ki Conference?

There will be frequent updates on the Conference as we get closer to the July 24 – 27, 2025 seminar dates. This includes information on schedules, special events, helpful travel tips, etc. These updates will be placed on this website so they can be easily accessed. We will email all seminar registrants when updates are available.

Why is early registration so important?

The International Ki Seminar has a very strict limit to the number of registrants that can attend. This is due to the space limitation of the Younts Conference Center facility we are using on the campus of Furman University. The maximum number of seminar attendees is 120. We fully expect to reach this number given the interest we have seen throughout the international Ki-Aikido community.

Will there be a banquet?

In place of a single large banquet, there will be two separate smaller social events (with dinner) in order to facilitate more informal interaction with our guests from Japan. Participants will attend one of these events. More details will be forthcoming closer to the International Ki Conference.

What if I have a special diet?

If you follow a special diet, please feel free to bring along any specific items you may need to ensure you’re comfortable and can enjoy the event fully. There will be vegetarian options available.

Will there be advanced Ki Testing at the Conference?

Yes, Kaicho Sensei will conduct Den level Ki Testing at the Conference. Chief Instructors who wish to recommend their students for advanced Ki Tests should submit to Headquarters a completed form “Application for Ki Development Grades” and Testing Fee (by rank) for each recommended student by May 1, 2025.

Who do I contact with any questions that I may have?

We will have a full team helping organize and execute all the details surrounding the seminar. If you have any questions, please direct them to Rich Fryling, Chief Instructor Eastern Ki Federation (rich.fryling@gmail.com) and Josh Queen, Treasurer Eastern Ki Federation (jaj517@yahoo.com)