Terry Pierce, Chief Instructor

Pierce Sensei is a 7th degree blackbelt in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and Okuden in Shinshin Toitsudo. He has been training in Aikido and a loyal student of Tohei Sensei for over 44 years. This makes Pierce Sensei the most senior member of the Eastern Ki Federation. Pierce Sensei serves as Chief Instructor of the New Jersey Ki Society.

Pierce Sensei began studying Aikido in 1960 after completing his service in the Army. He later co-founded the N.J. Aikikai in Merchantville, N.J. And in 1968, he became the Chief Instructor of the South Jersey Aikikai on Long Beach Island, N.J. Pierce Sensei founded the N.J. Ki Society in Riverton, N.J. in 1974. In 1983, while studying at Ki no Kenkyukai in Japan, Pierce Sensei was appointed a Leader in the Ki no Genri Jissenkai. Pierce Sensei is an Full Lecturer and Full Examiner of the International Ki Society.

Bill Orwat, Head Instructor

Bill was introduced to Ki-Aikido in 1978 in Philadelphia at an adult education program taught by Dr. Tsuyoshi Ohnishi, a student of Tohei Sensei. Since 1980, he has studied with Terry Pierce Sensei at the New Jersey Ki Society. At the Riverton, NJ dojo, Bill has prepared and groomed numerous students - many from other schools - for their upcoming black belt tests. In addition, Bill shares teaching responsiblities with Bengt Lindblad Sensei at the West Chester (PA), YMCA KI-Aikido program.

Bill has an MBA from Temple University, and he has worked in management for manufacturing companies for over 20 years. He currently works in logistics in the defense industry. Orwat sensei holds the rank of Yondan Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and Chuden Shinshin Toitsudo; he is also an Associate Lecturer and Associate Examiner of the International Ki Society.