Kevin McGough, Chief Instructor
While participating in competitive
and sometimes violent sports during his teen years on the Big Island
of Hawaii, McGough Sensei often heard of and was intrigued by
stories of the unusual powers displayed by Aikido practitioners in
the area. After witnessing a few of these events first hand, he
became even more curious.
While attending the University of Hawaii, McGough Sensei,
accompanied by his now wife Leilani, started training in Aikido in
1979 in a physical education class taught by Takashi Nonaka Sensei
and Ramon Goya Sensei. Soon thereafter, having fallen in love with
the art, McGough Sensei joined Aikikai of Hilo under Barbara and
Robert Klein Sensei students of Akira Tohei Shihan.
In 1987 McGough Sensei spent one year studying under Sadao Yoshioka
Shihan in Honolulu. Upon returning to Hilo, McGough Sensei began
assisting with teaching duties in the children's program.
After receiving the ranks of shodan in 1988, nidan in 1990, and
sandan in 1993, he moved to Kohala in 1996 and began studying with
Kristina Varjan Shihan and Rikko Varjan Sensei, both students of
Kazuo Chiba Shihan.
McGough Sensei received a fukushidoin certificate from Chiba Sensei
of Birankai International in 2002 and was promoted to Yondan in 2005
and shidoin in 2007. His two children, Hollie and Ryan, have also
chosen to continue their practice that started in childhood and they
both hold the rank of Nidan.
One of McGough Sensei's greatest joys is to be in the Dojo with
others, practicing, teaching, and learning. In addition to his
Aikido practice he has had a life long interest in energy medicine
and hands on healing methods.
Leilani McGough, Assistant
insructor
Leilani started her practice in 1979 along with Kevin. Her Aikido
career closely matches that of Kevin as described above. In addition
though she has had the good grace to practice through two
pregnancies and balance her career as a Registerd Nurse with the
demands of raising two children with her training. We all love her
very much.
