George Koliopoulos

George Koliopoulos first contact with Aikido was in 1974 when he attended a demonstration given by Fumio Toyoda Sensei at Northeastern Illinois University where he was a student. The same day he joined the NIU Aikido Club and became a member of the Chicago Ki-Aikido Society. He was one of Toyoda Sensei's original students and trained extensively under him from 1974 to 1981. During this period he attended seminars given by Master Koichi Tohei (10th Dan) and traveled with Toyoda Sensei throughout the Chicago and Mid-West area assisting him with seminars and demos. In 1981 George Koliopoulos tested for Shodan and was also awarded Associate Instructor's Certificate from the Ki-Aikido Society.

In 1984, Fumio Toyoda Sensei became independent and founded the Aikido Association of America. By then, George Koliopoulos had moved to Greece but was still in close contact with him. In 1987, after consultation with Toyoda Shihan, he decided to make Aikido his life's work. He then founded the Hellenic Aikido Association (Fukushinkan Dojo), Athens and became it's Chief Instructor.

In 1990 he was appointed Shidoin for the Aikido Association of America and later the Aikido Association International. He was a member of the teaching and testing committee and also served as Regional Director for East Europe for the Aikido Association International under Fumio Toyoda Shihan.

In 1994, Shihan Fumio Toyoda and the Aikido Association of America were formally recognized to belong to the Aikikai Foundation, Japan. That same year, George Koliopoulos Sensei with recommendations from Shihan Fumio Toyoda was awarded the 5th Dan Certificate from the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Doshu, Kissomaru Ueshiba.

During the period that George Koliopoulos Sensei was Regional Director for the Aikido Association International he not only taught at Fukushinkan Dojo but also traveled extensively throughout Greece, Europe and the United States, conducting seminars and helping to spread Aikido. His simple and clear approach to the art of Aikido as well as his friendly personality made him a popular instructor among his students.

In 1999, the Hellenic Aikido Association became independent with Fukushinkan Dojo as it's HQ. in Athens and many affiliated Dojos throughout Greece. George Koliopoulos was appointed Technical Director and Chief Instructor for the Hellenic Aikido Association.

On January of 2000 the Hellenic Aikido Association is accepted as an associate member of the United Kingdom Aikikai under Principal William Smith Sensei. George Koliopoulos becomes a member of the United Kingdom Aikikai Technical and Testing Committee. The Hellenic Aikido Association through the United Kingdom Aikikai is affiliated to the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido HQ; Tokyo, Japan.

On April 2006, the Hellenic Aikido Association is recognized by The Aikikai Foundation, Aikido HQ, as an official organization in Greece.

On January 13th 2008, George Koliopoulos' promotion to Rokudan (6th Dan) was officially authorized at Aikikai, Hombu Dojo, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

Today George Koliopoulos Sensei is actively teaching at Fukushinkan Dojo. He travels regularly throughout Greece conducting seminars and gradings for the Hellenic Aikido Association. He organizes International Aikido Seminars with various Shihans and he is often invited to conduct Seminars and Courses for different Aikido Associations throughout Europe and the United States.

Important Dates