As a teenager, I was also deeply curious about stories I read about ancient martial arts masters who demonstrated remarkable feats and possessed a kind of invisible power called qi, or ki. Whenever there was a martial arts demonstration in my hometown of Seattle I would try to attend, and if there was a chance to ask questions afterward, I would always ask “what about qi or ki?” But no-one seemed to have an answer, or if they did, they weren’t interested in sharing it with me. So, I started on my path in the martial arts, first studying Chinese kung-fu and then, while studying abroad in Japan during college, switching over to aikido. I wasn’t sure I would ever find answers to my questions about invisible power—or if the answers even existed—but at least I could keep training my body and practicing “the Way.”

Over time, I realized that most people in the martial arts world have little or no idea about what ki is, and even if they do have an idea, very few have a palpable experience of ki. Finally, however, in my twenties, I found what I had been searching for: I began training with an aikido teacher in the U.S who had a deep understanding of breath power, and who remains my teacher to this day. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to him for introducing me to the reality and the power of Ki energy. And I learned something unexpected at his dojo that has remained true throughout all my experiences at the Nishino Breathing Method Headquarters: wherever there is Ki energy flowing strongly, there is also great laughter and deep joy.

Aikido involves practicing with a partner, so it’s not something you can easily do by yourself. So, when I was back in Japan during graduate school, a friend who knew I was interested in Ki energy gave me a book by someone named Kōzō Nishino, which included instructions on how to cultivate Ki energy through breathing exercises that you can practice on your own. I read the book and began practicing the exercises for a few months, until it dawned on me that I could just visit the Tokyo headquarters of the Nishino Breathing Method and see first-hand what the book was talking about. So, in 2000, I paid my membership fee and walked into the Tokyo Nishino headquarters dojo for the first time.

Needless to say, I was blown away, mentally and physically, and I was overjoyed. Watching Master Nishino do Taiki (対気) with students was kind of like watching a drama unfold, or like watching a great choreographer at work. His students would receive a profound exchange of Ki energy, and through the alchemy of that interaction, you could see some of the students’ own unique talents shining forth: it was clear that some were dancers, or gymnasts, or singers, or martial artists, each receiving Ki energy in their own unique way. It seemed that the experience of Taiki with Master Nishino touched people at the very core of their being. It was incredible to see and to experience, as well as mysterious, and unforgettable.

At the same time, I’ve always felt that in every century there are a few miraculous people who walk the earth, which is exactly what I had read about in books as a teenager. So, while it felt amazing to be in Master Nishino’s presence, the fact of his existence itself didn’t surprise me. The real question remained: can those incredible people who walk the earth transmit their abilities to others? What truly surprised me were all the Shidōin (指導員)—the instructors who led the classes under Master Nishino. They were ordinary-seeming people, men and women, some older, some younger, all of whom possessed extraordinary breath power, who could send me flying across the room while barely moving a muscle. This is what ultimately amazed me and continues to amaze me about the Nishino Breathing Method: not just that one incredibly talented human could develop the method, but that he could transmit it to so many “ordinary” instructors, who are each filled with their own unique reservoir of powerful Ki energy.

I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the instructors and students of the Nishino Breathing Method in Japan, who keep the teachings alive and who work tirelessly to make the teachings available to everyone. As I continue to train with my dear teachers whenever I am able at the Nishino Breathing Method, Tokyo Headquarters, I hope that I will continue to learn one millionth of what Master Nishino knew, and one thousandth of what the instructors understand. No matter how little or how much I develop, however, it’s a joyful path to be on.

Jonathan began his journey with the Nishino Breathing Method when he came across an English book called The Breath of Life, written by our late founder, Master Kōzō Nishino, while he was a graduate student in Japan more than 20 years ago. As a scholar in the field of Asian histories, Jonathan has a deep understanding of Japanese culture and martial arts. Over the past twenty-four years, since joining Nishinojuku in 2000, his commitment to the Nishino Breathing Method has been firm and unwavering.

His proficiency in the Nishino Breathing Method is distinguished by his precise understanding and deep knowledge of the method. Last year, he helped us publish the Nishino Breathing Method Training Manual in English, complete with videos of all exercises. His valuable comments and editing techniques were greatly appreciated. His intensive training sessions at our Headquarters have demonstrated his commitment to mastering the most advanced techniques and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Beyond his technical skills, Jonathan's sincere and cordial demeanor, as well as his ability to create a warm and inclusive environment, has left a profound impression on our staff and many students at our Headquarters. His constant smile and gentleness resonate with everyone around him.

It brings me immense joy that a personality like Jonathan, currently recognized for his outstanding career as Professor of Religion, Spirituality, and Society at the University of Puget Sound, Washington, USA, is now committed to promoting the Nishino Breathing Method in the USA. We wholeheartedly support the progress and success of the Nishino Breathing Method classes in Tacoma, Washington, USA, under his leadership.