SANTA BARBARA, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 13, 2012) - Santa Barbara's premier aikido organization, Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara (AKSB) (http://aksb.org/), has announced its first-ever Emperor Level sponsors, Pohlit Design Concepts and Baumann Productions.

Pohlit Design Concepts became an emperor level sponsor by donating $10,000 of videography and photo services.

Iaon Pohlit, the owner of Pohlit Design Concepts, said, "To be a part of an amazing program that teaches the benefits of peaceful resolution is priceless. I have studied many different martial arts; however, the one consistent message that has transcended all forms is balance. As life continues to surprise us in so many ways, I found myself almost 30 years later with the opportunity to give back to the martial art that first started me on my quest for balance."

Baumann Productions, a Santa Barbara based visual media company, also generously donated $10,000 by creating two videos with their equipment and editing services.

Tyler Baumann, the executive producer at Baumann Productions, said, "We are so inspired, not only by the fact that Aikido Kenkyukai offers Santa Barbara a welcoming place to practice and learn Aikido, but that they make it possible for all to participate no matter their financial situation."

Lia Suzuki Sensei, the executive director of AKSB, has been amazed by the amount of support received from the community.

Lia Sensei commented, "The support has not only helped us keep our doors open and the lights on, but has also served as a barometer of sorts, letting us know that the public supports our mission."

Pohlit Design Concepts:
www.iaonpohlit.com

Baumann Productions:
www.baumannproductions.com

About Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara

Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging the practice of the Japanese non-violent martial art of aikido and promoting Aikido as a positive and effective vehicle for self-improvement and spiritual growth. In addition to offering traditional Aikido classes to beginner through advanced level practitioners, AKSB has done pioneering work using Aikido as a therapeutic vehicle for youth and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues, and has worked closely with drug rehabilitation centers, probation departments, and jails, offering workshops on AiKi Conflict Transformation.

For more information on AKSB, to schedule an introductory class, or make a tax deductible donation please visit www.aksb.org.