YVES BRET has been on a spiritual journey since 1998 with the Shambhala Buddhist path, integrating spirituality into his everyday life. In 2000, he began exploring Kado, the Way of Flowers.. Living in the serene Drôme region of France, Apart from Kado, he practices Kyudo, the art of Japanese archery, enhancing his mindfulness and presence. Yves believes that true practice goes beyond formal sessions, harmonizing spiritual disciplines with daily experiences.

SERGIO CALVO began his journey with Kado in 1998, building upon his commitment to Shambhala teachings, which started in 1997. As a devoted Vajrayana student under Sakyong Mipham, Sergio seamlessly incorporates his spiritual practices into his teachings as a meditation instructor. Since 2015, he has been sharing his enthusiasm for Kado Ikebana through weekend courses, retreats, and workshops for adults. Recently, he has extended his passion to younger audiences, conducting workshops for teenagers since 2023 and occasionally for children. Sergio's warm and engaging teaching style inspires many to explore this beautiful contmplative form and deepen their spiritual practice.

MERCEDES DeBLAZ GOMEZ, at 69 years old, she is enjoying her retirement after a successful career in the Department of Scenography at the Royal School of Dramatic Art in Madrid. Now residing in Alicante, she teaches Spanish to migrants and volunteers with the University of Alicante's theater group for the elderly.

SIBYLLE FRAUND Sibylle Fraund with over 40 years of dedicated study and practice in Tibetan Buddhism, under the guidance of renowned teachers like Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, she has embraced a life filled with spiritual wisdom and mindfulness. Her passion for Kado Ikebana has blossomed over the last 30 years, nurtured by the expertise of Marcia Shibata.

As a cherished spouse and mother of three daughters, with the additional blessing of two grandchildren, Sibylle’s family plays an integral role in her life.

JITKA HOLUBOVA Since 2001, Jitka has been studying Kado Ikebana under the guidance of Marcia Shibata, eventually becoming an instructor herself. She has taught Kado practices in various countries, including the Czech Republic, England, Hungary, Poland, and France. A devoted student of the Shambhala Buddhist school since 1993, Jitka integrates her spiritual insights into her professional life. Residing in Prague, Czech Republic, with her family, she heads a private psychosomatic clinic. As a physiotherapist and psychotherapist, Jitka teaches in both Czech and English, helping others find balance in their lives.

MAY ISLER:May Isler’s journey with flowers began unexpectedly many years ago, when they crossed her path and led her to Kado Ikebana. For May, continuous learning and teaching, observing nature closely, and using natural materials are essential. As a Kado Ikebana teacher with a Buddhist background and a student of a Japanese Ikebana school, she finds joy in sharing her knowledge. Now retired and living in Bern, she is fluent in German, English, French, Italian, and speaks a little Spanish, allowing her to connect with a wide audience.

MARTINA MARX: Martina Marx embarked on her spiritual journey with the practice of meditation and the study of Buddha Dharma back in 1984. As an early student of Marcia Shibata, she cultivated a deep love for Kado Ikebana. Martina is a senior instructor in this meditative art and has shared her expertise with many. As a loving mother of two daughters and a store manager in Vienna, Austria, she balances her professional and personal life with grace. Currently, due to work-life circumstances, Martina is momentarily inactive in her Kado practice, but her passion for the art remains steadfast.

Anna Tomas Pozuelo: Ana started her Kado Ikebana practice in 2000 and has been following Marcia Shibata's teachings since. Kado has allowed her to learn about herself and appreciate Mother Nature's details. She is a mother of one boy and one girl and has a great life companion. She has developed an international career with a multinational company, living in various countries. She values her multicultural experiences and friendships across the globe.

Dagmar Waldau. Dagmar Waldau has entered what she lovingly calls the "golden harvest time" of her life after her career dedicated to educating children and young adults. Her encounter with Tibetan scholar and meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche sparked a profound journey into meditation and Buddhist studies.

Dagmar also discovered Ikebana, studying with Marcia Shibata. She approaches this contemplative form with a joyful and meticulous eye, warmly teaching her students.