Aikido is a martial art unlike any other. Where most styles are built on strikes, blocks, and domination, aikido turns conflict into harmony. It teaches us that the way to meet force is not with greater force, but with presence, awareness, and redirection. At its core, aikido carries a radical truth: peace is stronger than violence, compassion is wiser than control, and the way we move with others reveals the way we move with life itself.

This truth beats at the heart of One Dojo in Boulder, guided by Abel Villacorta. When I sat with Abel in conversation, I was moved not only by the strength of his vision but by the humility with which he carries it. He does not posture or claim authority; instead, he radiates a steady presence—a grounded calm—that makes you believe transformation is possible. His dream is not for himself but for the community, for all who seek a way to live more peacefully, more powerfully, and more awake.

“When we return to center, we return to what is most human in us—compassion, peace, and connection. From that place, life stops being a struggle to win and becomes an invitation to grow, to serve, and to walk in harmony with others.”

Abel teaches from the center, and he lives from the center. He understands that true growth cannot come from books alone or concepts repeated in the mind. It must be felt. It must be practiced. It must be embodied. That is why One Dojo is devoted to experiential learning. On the mat, you cannot hide from yourself—you encounter your reactions, your fears, your habits of defense. But you also discover a new way: the ability to pause, to redirect, to soften, to see the humanity in another even in the midst of conflict.

One Dojo is not simply a martial arts studio. It is a spiritual home for transformation. Aikido may be its root, but its branches extend into yoga, meditation, tai chi, and other practices that invite people back into alignment. Each offering is an opening to the same truth: harmony begins within. Abel believes that if we can bring peace into ourselves, we can bring peace into our families, our workplaces, and the wider world.

What strikes me most about Abel is his balance of humility and dedication. He does not speak of his role as a master or as one above others. He speaks as one who walks beside you, as a fellow traveler who has chosen a path of service. And yet, his commitment is unwavering. His presence in Boulder is felt not through self-promotion, but through the lives he touches—students, families, and leaders who walk away from One Dojo more centered, more compassionate, more capable of meeting life with clarity and love.

In the world today, conflict seems unavoidable—whether on the street, in business, in politics, or within our own homes. Abel’s vision is to remind us that another way is possible. He holds out the invitation to step onto the mat and discover, through practice, that the true work of harmony begins within. And when we find our center, we discover the possibility of peace with each other.

For me, the time I spent with Abel left an imprint. His vision is strong, his spirit humble, and his dedication complete. He is building more than a dojo; he is building a movement—one where Boulder, and perhaps the world, can remember what it means to move from center.

• Discover the community and offerings at One Dojo in Boulder
• Learn more about the spirit of Aikido, the martial art of peace
• Begin your journey of experiential practice, compassion, and service at One Dojo
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Kate Galt Primal Leadership Business Coaching

Kate Galt coaches and challenges leaders at all levels— from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives— to sharpen their vision, articulate key messages so they connect and inspire, and make decisive, strategic moves that drive real business growth. Based in Boulder, Colorado, she works with individuals and teams to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and achieve measurable results.

Her coaching is rooted in Primal Leadership—because the strongest leaders move with instinct, command presence without force, and create unshakable trust through raw, real connection.

Like any driven person, Kate is always figuring out how to do it all—running a business, raising two kids with her equally involved husband, and still making time for the adventure that brought her to Colorado in 1998. Whether it’s snowboarding, mountain biking, or chasing an ultimate frisbee, she knows the best leadership isn’t just learned—it’s lived.

The bottom line? Kate makes good leaders great.

Curious about what makes her coaching style so impactful? Book a call and experience it for yourself at CoachTheLeaders.com.