Welcome to River of Ki Aikido
(ROKA)
Train your Mind to stay calm, centered, and present.
Condition your body to be strong, adaptable, and resilient.
Explore, laugh, and connect in a supportive community along the way.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Move with Confidence & Strength
Learn standing Aikido techniques that teach you
how to blend with energy, redirect force, and apply wrist locks, joint controls, and
weapons practice. Groundwork with a self-defense focus helps you feel prepared in any
situation.
Find Your Path, No Matter Your Experience
Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time, looking for a way new way to stay fit, or transitioning from another martial art, we meet you where you are and help you grow at your own pace.
Be Part of a Supportive & Fun Community
Train in an environment where respect, encouragement, and shared laughter make learning enjoyable and rewarding.
Build Resilience for Everyday Challenges
Develop the ability to remain calm, centered, and adaptable, whether on the mat or in daily life. Aikido isn’t just about
technique—it’s about how you carry yourself in every situation.
Take Care of Your Body as You Train
Train in an environment where respect, encouragement, and shared laughter make learning enjoyable and rewarding.
When she’s not guiding students through the flow of Aikido at River of Ki, you’ll often find Cara-Michele helping midlife women reclaim their energy and confidence through her work as a wellness strategist, acupuncturist, and personal trainer. She’s the founder of Strength & Vitality Wellness, where she teaches the art of self-care with the same grace, discipline, and spirit of connection that she brings to every class on the mat.
Get a hands-on experience with River of Ki Aikido! Join a general class, witness a live demonstration, or participate in a mini-seminar. Whether you’re brand new or experienced, there’s a way for you to engage and enjoy the practice.
Curious about what makes ROKA different?
Experience it for yourself. Hang out with us on the mat and explore our unique approach. See how our training can help you build confidence, resilience, and strength in every part of your life.
WHY THIS TRAINING FEELS DIFFERENT
Training That’s Both Challenging & Enjoyable
ROKA Aikido is a journey, and every session brings personal and community discoveries. The practice is serious, but the atmosphere is uplifting and filled with encouragement and camaraderie.
Build Confidence and
Stay Grounded
Training in ROKA strengthens your body and mind, helping you stay calm and focused even in challenging situations. You learn to manage tension, respond with clarity, and navigate physical encounters safely through movement and breath control. As you build trust in your body’s ability to react effectively, you develop confidence in every aspect of your life.
Make New Friends
ROKA’s training style naturally builds meaningful friendships. Our mat is a space where people grow together, support one another, and form lasting connections through shared practice.
Join Us on The Mat!
Whether you’re looking for personal growth, a new challenge, or a way to bring more peace into your life, ROKA is here for you. Experience the power of Aikido firsthand by attending one of our Open House events. Meet our instructors, watch a demonstration, and even try a class!
Join Us on The Mat!
Whether you’re looking for personal growth, a new challenge, or a way to bring more peace into your life, ROKA is here for you. Experience the power of Aikido firsthand by attending one of our Open House events. Meet our instructors, watch a demonstration, and even try a class!
3 WAYS TO GET STARTED
1. Watch a Live Demonstration
See the power and precision of ROKA in action. Our advanced students demonstrate techniques, showing how they respond dynamically under pressure. This is an opportunity to witness the fluidity and effectiveness of the practice, followed by an open discussion. Ask questions, hear from experienced practitioners, and gain insight into the journey of ROKA Aikido training.
2. Join our Seminar Sampler
This is a 1.5-hour session during our seminal designed for visitors to dip their toes in the water. This hands-on experience offers a deep dive into a specific aspect of training, helping you experience how our way of responding to attacks translates into everyday life. You’ll practice under the guidance of experienced instructors, gaining valuable insights into balance, connection, and ease of movement..
3. Join a Class
Step onto the mat and experience the training firsthand! Our regular classes offer a structured yet welcoming environment for all levels. Whether you’re new to martial arts or have previous experience, this is a great way to get a feel for ROKA’s approach. Classes are held:
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OUR LINEAGE
ROKA follows the tradition of Kinokawa Ryu Aikido, a style that emphasizes the unconditional acceptance and blending of energy (Ki). Kinokawa, meaning “River of Ki,” represents the seamless flow of energy and movement. This approach balances the practical, martial aspects of Aikido with its deeper purpose of unifying mind, body, and spirit.
Sempai Cara-Michele Nether (3rd-degree black belt), studied under Sensei Kyle Olinger, a 20-year student of Hanshi Michael Wirth. Hanshi Wirth trained under Sensei Maruyama, a student of Koichi Tohei and Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei), the founder of Aikido.
RANCE DENTON
LEADERSHIP AND RESILIENCE
THROUGH AIKIDO
BACKGROUND
In 2016, Rance Denton began his journey
with River of Ki Aikido. At the time, he was
searching for something outside his usual
interests. An activity that could provide
physical, mental, and emotional growth
within a supportive community.
“My first goal was simply to try something so
drastically outside of my interest at the time.
I wanted to get into something that would
give back to me physically, mentally, and
emotionally, and in a place where
community mattered,” Rance recalls.
CHALLENGES BEFORE ROKA
Like many professionals, Rance faced the
daily pressures of navigating complex
interpersonal dynamics at work. As a teacher,
he often found himself managing
interactions filled with ego and expectation,
which sometimes felt overwhelming.
Practicing Aikido also coincided with a
deeply personal challenge. When his father
passed away, Rance found himself stepping
into unexpected responsibilities. The loss
required him to take on a leadership role in
ways he hadn’t anticipated.
TRANSFORMATION
THROUGH AIKIDO
Through his training, Rance discovered tools that helped him navigate professional and personal challenges with clarity and confidence. One of the most significant moments came after his father’s passing.
“When my father died, I found myself in a position to carry out responsibilities I never imagined would be on my shoulders. I witnessed others struggling to make necessary decisions for his burial and estate. Aikido gave me the tools to understand what leadership needed to look like at that moment— building a comforting space for people to breathe and feel by taking heavy responsibilities off their shoulders. I knew I had the clarity and strength to take them on.”
The ability to step up under pressure, extended into his teaching career. Aikido taught him to lead with compassion and understanding rather than force.
“I don’t consider myself a ‘disciplinarian’ as a
teacher. Aikido has helped me define my presence in the classroom as a supportive and willing-to-listen party. I’ve learned that students often react to external stressors, not just to what’s happening in the classroom.”
OUTCOMES AND LEARNINGS
Over time, Rance noticed profound shifts in how he approached both his work and his personal life:
- Enhanced Leadership: Aikido helped Rance develop a leadership style rooted in empathy and calm, allowing him to create space for others while confidently making decisions.
- Increased Emotional Awareness: He gained a deeper understanding of managingbinterpersonal dynamics in moments of conflict and day-to-day interactions.
“You’ll never see yourself grow, but you surely
grow. There’s no time-lapse video for Aikido that will show your improvement right back to you, but ROKA offers a diverse and friendly space to push yourself through and beyond challenges.”
KATE D.
FROM PERFECTIONISM TO CONFIDENCE
BACKGROUND
In 2016, Kate Denton was introduced to
River of Ki Aikido by Sempai Mikey, a yellow
belt at the time. Kate, who had always found
martial arts more engaging than traditional
exercise routines, sought Aikido to improve
her fitness and learn self-defense. However,
as she soon discovered, Aikido offered far
more than physical benefits.
“I thought I was coming for the physical benefits— getting stronger, learning self-defense — but Aikido challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. It quickly became a way to navigate life’s challenges more confidently
and clearly,” Kate explains.
CHALLENGES BEFORE ROKA
Kate’s perfectionism and defensiveness often left her feeling overwhelmed and overly self-
critical. This tendency to overreact in challenging situations spilled over her personal
and professional life, creating unnecessary
stress and tension.
“I used to overreact in contentious situations. It
felt like I always had to prove something to
myself or others. I didn’t realize how much
energy I was wasting on that defensiveness,”
Kate recalls.
These challenges made her hyperaware of
perceived flaws, further fueling her self-doubt
and feelings of inadequacy.
TRANSFORMATION
Through her training at River of Ki Aikido, Kate
began to experience a profound transformation. The lessons she learned on the mat transcended into her daily life, giving her tools to approach situations with calm and clarity.
One pivotal shift was her ability to manage conflict effectively, especially in the workplace. By applying Aikido’s principles of blending and non-resistance, Kate found herself better equipped to navigate tense situations.
“Aikido has taught me to keep things at a distance—gently. I’ve learned that most heated moments have nothing to do with me. That understanding has helped me remain calm and act with purpose instead of emotion,” Kate says.
Her journey wasn’t just about calming her external reactions. With the guidance of Sempai Cara-Michele, Kate also began to dismantle her perfectionist mindset.
“Sempai spent a lot of time helping me see my
value. She reminded me that my so-called ‘defects’ didn’t exist and that my worth couldn’t be measured. It was a revelation. I started to appreciate myself for who I am for the first time.”
OUTCOMES AND LEARNINGS
Kate’s experience with Aikido extended beyond
learning techniques; it fundamentally reshaped her relationship with herself and others.
- Increased Confidence: Kate now finds it easier to face challenges with confidence and clarity. She is more equipped to handle conflict calmly instead of becoming defensive.
- Letting Go of Comparison: She’s learning to focus on her progress rather than measure herself against others.
“Aikido is a different language with a physical
translation. At first, it’s easy to feel lost or
frustrated, but then you learn it’s not about
perfection. Showing up and doing your best is
what makes the difference. Comparison is the
thief of joy,” Kate reflects.
River of Ki Aikido
Focus | Grace | Power
River of Ki Aikido 