Meet Kenichi Kiyama: A Collaboration of Opposites

Hello, I'm Kenichi Kiyama, and I invite you to step into the world of KiyamaBodyWorks. My life has been a fascinating blend of martial arts discipline and the melodious artistry of the violin. Allow me to share my story with you.

Early Beginnings in Martial Arts: My journey into the world of martial arts began at the tender age of 3, guided by none other than my father and grandfather. Our family boasts a long lineage and tradition in martial arts, encompassing disciplines like Judo and Kodokai Daitoryu Aikijujitsu. These early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. Over the years, I expanded my horizons, delving into Wado-Ryu Karate, Taekwondo, and Hapkido to name a few, further enriching my martial arts repertoire.

A Love for Movement: My life has always revolved around physical activity and exercise. Aside from the martial arts, I participated in sports such as soccer, baseball, and track and field. With my mother’s experience in yoga and Pilates, I learned the value of flexibility and a different form of mind-body connection. The thrill of pushing my physical limits has always been a part of who I am. Although sports are now a thing of my past, I continue to explore the body’s possibilities to keep myself physically efficient in my current pursuits.

The Violin as a Second Love: As a former amateur ballet dancer, my mother is a great lover of classical music, She introduced me to this world of art during my prenatal stages. It was inevitable that I would fall in love with the violin. That love pushed me to pursue a Bachelors, Masters, and Performance Diploma in Violin Performance. I am currently a professional violinist of the Chicago Area, performing for local ensembles such as Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Elgin Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Rockford Symphony, and many more. The harmony of the strings and the depth of classical music have become an integral part of my identity.

Overcoming Injuries: My journey has not been without its challenges. Any injury from my pursuits would have been career-ending. Over the years I have faced numerous injuries, some of which were quite severe. From sprained ankles to dislocated shoulders, even dislocating three vertebrates in my spine and ribs, these injuries were often the result of my active participation in sports and martial arts. However, as a violinist, I've also experienced the strains, stresses, and injuries that come with the lopsidedness of the instrument, repetitive motions, and the many hours of practice and performance, from the fingers up to my neck.

An Inevitable Journey: My journey to where I am today is a testament to the profound impact of my parents' diverse backgrounds. It's a beautiful fusion of my parent’s dedication to physical discipline, shaped by my mother’s background in classical ballet, yoga, and Pilates, and my father's expertise in martial arts. Their collective influence instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of physical discipline and the wisdom of ancient practices.

Moreover, my mother's degree in nutrition from Japan and my father's role as an expert acupuncturist, who also introduced me to Sotai, nurtured my understanding of holistic health. This unique blend of influences provided me with a well-rounded perspective on well-being, fitness, and self-expression.

 The Unstoppable Pursuit: With this diverse and dynamic background, my pursuit of martial arts mastery and musical excellence became an unstoppable force. I realized that my journey was not merely a collection of experiences but a destiny that had been carved out by the convergence of my family's expertise and my own unwavering dedication.

 Today, as the founder of Kiyama Bodyworks, I am excited to share my unique blend of knowledge and experiences with the world, offering a holistic approach to physical well-being and artistic expression that is deeply rooted in tradition, family, and the pursuit of excellence.