Head Instructor: Matthew Attarian

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Attarian Sensei strives to not only teach students effective martial arts and mindfulness, but to give them the tools to lead a more fulfilling and successful life. He is intent on bringing students the best possible instruction, providing them with the most authentic Japanese martial arts training experience, and connecting his students with his teachers for more advanced training opportunities!

Matthew Attarian (4th Degree Black-Belt) has been training in Ki-Aikido, Shinshin Toitsu Do mindfulness practices for almost 15 years, in addition to other martial arts (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Krav Maga). His devotion to Ki-Aikido training even took him to Japan after graduating from Furman University, where he lived for about 5 years. During his time in Japan, Attarian Sensei trained intensively in Ki-Aikido, became a full-time apprentice, and also taught professionally (entirely in the Japanese language) at Tokyo's Seishinkan Dojo (成心館道場). He is one of the only non-Japanese in the world to become a Japan certified instructor in Ki-Aikido, and is known internationally among members of the Ki Society.

Attarian Sensei has worked with countless groups and individuals to teach them martial arts and how to apply universal principles successfully into their daily lives. This has helped them more effectively lead their companies, manage stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and better handle the obstacles of daily life. Some of these groups and individuals include cadets at the Citadel Military College, Marvel Studios stunt doubles, Presidents of various Japanese companies, Sony Japan, and more.

Attarian Sensei also works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed under the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and is the Charlotte Regional Director for the Japan America Society of North Carolina.