Family is the cornerstone of my life.

Raised in a close-knit Midwestern home with my four siblings, I learned the values of leadership, creativity, and hard work early on. As the eldest child in a family with a strong artistic and musical influence, I developed a deep appreciation for these principles.

I married my wife, Nicole, whom I’ve known since middle school, and together we have two children, Susan and Jaxon. Providing a stable and fulfilling life for my family drives everything I do.

In 2015, I founded West Linn Ki Aikido, a nonprofit dojo affiliated with the Northwest Ki Federation. As the owner, I oversee all aspects of the business, including budgeting, marketing, staffing, scheduling, sales, and member communications. As the Chief Instructor, I teach Aikido to students ranging from ages 4 to 80, guiding them from beginner to advanced levels. I provide leadership & coaching to my black belt assistants, fostering a strong sense of community among our students and their families.

I hold a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido and a 2nd-degree black belt in Japanese Ki Development, which includes mind-body coordination, meditation techniques & conflict resolution. Additionally, I am a certified Assistant Examiner & Associate Ki Lecturer with the International Ki Society. I am a graduate of the New Instructors Apprenticeship program under 8th Dan Calvin Tabata Sensei—one of only three 8th-degree black belts outside of Japan.

My training has taken me around the world. In 2016, I trained at the Ki Society World Headquarters in Japan under Shinichi Tohei Sensei, President of the International Ki Society. In 2019, I was selected by the Oregon Ki Society to attend the National Ki Society Instructor’s Conference, where I again trained under Master Shinichi Sensei. In 2022, I accompanied Calvin Tabata Sensei on a private visit to Ki Society World HQ in Tokyo, where I collaborated with Ki Society leadership on a global membership tracking system and received additional Aikido training. In 2023, I was invited to join a team of chief instructors leading a seminar in the Czech Republic. Over the years, I have trained at dojos across the U.S. and internationally.

Since the COVID pandemic, I have taken on a senior role within the Northwest Ki Federation, playing a key part in developing online teaching capabilities for all Northwest Ki Federation dojos. Additionally, I helped design the online membership tracking system for Ki Society International.

The Wards have a rich legacy of artists and musicians, and music has been a lifelong passion of mine. I have studied saxophone, drums, guitar, and bass across various genres, earning recognition in state competitions. Throughout my musical journey, I released several albums, selling thousands of copies, with songs receiving airplay on multiple radio stations. My work has also been featured in major newspapers and music magazines. I’m grateful to have been part of exceptional musical teams that contributed to these achievements.

I transitioned from performing to focus on my career, my wife, and our growing family. Currently, I volunteer as a music instructor, sharing my experience and passion with the next generation.

I believe hobbies provide valuable insight into a person’s character, offering a window into their personality and interests. Whether it’s a love for sports, music, literature, or film, our pastimes shape who we are.

Having spent my adult years split between Grand Rapids and Portland, I’ve developed an appreciation for city living. I enjoy the vibrancy of sushi bars, live music, art galleries and a well-crafted cappuccino.

However, I also have deep roots in rural life, growing up in a small town near Lake Michigan. I cherish outdoor activities such as hunting with my brother, camping with family, and fishing with my kids. I enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, and exploring the woods. I am an avid gardener, spending weekends tending to my small orchard & vineyard while maintaining our gardens, rose beds and bonsai collection.

I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively, visiting most of the lower 48 states and experiencing many of the country’s natural wonders and vibrant cities. Internationally, I’ve explored Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Canada, Japan and Mexico.

I’ve been deeply interested in politics, world history, and religion from a young age, and I regularly indulge my curiosity by reading books and scouring the internet for insights.

Like many in my generation, I grew up immersed in comic books, video games, sci-fi movies, and Star Trek. Fortunately, my wife shares many of these interests and, in some cases, even outpaces me in enthusiasm.

While sports may not be a big interest of mine, I do enjoy a few exceptions, such as playing golf, snowboarding, watching my kids participate in school sports, attending MMA fights, and playing paintball.

That gives you a good sense of my passions and pastimes.