Rich Fryling (top), Head Instructor at New York Ki-Aikido, currently holds the rank of yondan (4th degree black belt) in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and Chuden in Ki Development. He is a certified Associate Lecturer and Assistant Examiner with Ki no Kenkyukai, Headquarters in Japan. While attending Furman University, he began studying in 1989 as a student of David Shaner Sensei, nanadan (7th degree black belt) and Chief Instructor of the Eastern Ki Federation. Rich was also an instructor at the South Carolina Ki-Aikido dojo.
Nathan Patton (right), Assistant Instructor at New York Ki-Aikido, currently holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and Jokyu in Ki Development. Like Fryling Sensei, Nathan also began his training at Furman University with Dr. David Shaner Sensei, Nanadan (7th degree black belt) and Chief Instructor of the Eastern Ki Federation. Nathan is an 8th grade English teacher.
Paul Houser (left), Assistant Instructor at New York Ki-Aikido, currently holds the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt) and Jokyu in Ki Development. Paul is the most senior, original of New York Ki Aikido since it was founded in 2000. Paul rarely misses a class and is an extremely sincere student to Tohei Sensei's teachings.