An Unbroken Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
From Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido in Japan, through Robert Kubo Shihan and Aikido of Hawaii International to our dojo in La Vista, Nebraska. Discover the authentic chain of knowledge and tradition that shapes our practice today.
Our lineage represents more than a sequence of teachers and students. It embodies the transmission of wisdom, technique, and philosophy carefully preserved and passed down through generations of dedicated practitioners from Japan to Hawaii to Nebraska.
O-Sensei — Founder of Aikido
1883 – 1969The founder of Aikido, known reverently as O-Sensei ("Great Teacher"), developed this martial art as a way to achieve harmony between oneself and the universe. His vision was of a martial art that could bring peace to the world by transforming conflict into harmony.
10th Dan — Chief Instructor, Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Brought Aikido to Hawaii, 1953Koichi Tohei served as chief instructor at Aikikai Hombu Dojo under O-Sensei's direct guidance. In 1953, he became the first to bring aikido to the United States, teaching in Hawaii and laying the groundwork for all American aikido.
First to Bring Aikido to America
8th Dan — Founder of Aikido of Hawaii International
Founded AHI in 1963Training under Koichi Tohei's influence in Hawaii, Robert Kubo Shihan founded Aikido of Hawaii International (AHI) in 1963. AHI maintains direct affiliation with Aikikai Foundation (Hombu Dojo) in Japan, preserving the authentic transmission of O-Sensei's teachings.
Aikikai Foundation Affiliate
Founder of Sarpy Aikido
Founded Dojo in 1998After training under Robert Kubo Shihan, Sensei Ron Christianam brought authentic Aikido to Nebraska in 1998. He founded Sarpy Aikido to serve La Vista and greater Omaha, establishing the first aikido dojo in the area and creating a hub for aikido in the Midwest.
First Aikido Dojo in La Vista
Current Head Instructor — Sarpy Aikido
2020 – PresentIn 2020, Sensei Jeff Christianam assumed leadership, continuing his father's legacy with a focus on combat-effective aikido. Under his guidance, the dojo maintains its AHI affiliation while refining traditional techniques for modern self-defense applications in La Vista and the Omaha metro area.
Current LeadershipSarpy Aikido is proud to be part of Aikido of Hawaii International, a non-profit organization founded by Robert Kubo Shihan 8th Dan. AHI maintains direct affiliation with the Aikikai Foundation (Hombu Dojo) in Japan, ensuring our students receive authentic Aikido instruction that traces directly back to O-Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Learn more about AHI →