Ganshinkan Dojo

Veera Kasicharenvat Sensei, 5th Dan

Veera Kasicharenvat, the chief instructor of Ganshinkan Dojo, has a varied background in the martial arts that began in Bangkok, Thailand in 1967.

He began his Aikido training at the San Diego Sheriffs Aikikai under John Damian Sensei in 1974 (awarded 1st Dan and 2nd Dan). He traveled extensively to train under many of Japan’s master teachers before he joined the Aikido Association of America with Shihan Fumio Toyada in 1997 (awarded 3rd Dan and 4th Dan). Currently, he is pleased to be affiliated with the California Aikido Association (CAA) Division 2 under the the guidance of Frank Doran Shihan (8th-Dan).

He has taught at the University of Utah since 1977, introducing students to the smooth Ki (life energy) flow in Aikido as well as mind-body coordination. His philosophy is to train in a vibrant and joyful manner through being relaxed, open, aware, connected, and letting go in the moment. The techniques themselves are secondary, emphasizing that Aikido is a ‘Way of Life’ process.

Tai-Chi master teachers Benjamin Lo and Robert Smith introduced him to the Yang style of Professor Cheng Man-Ching in 1982 at the Tai-Chi Camp in La Honda, CA. He continues to learn from Teacher Lo and one of his senior students, Lenzie Williams.