PROGRAMS: AIKIDO
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3717 N Ravenswood, #113 » Chicago, IL 60613 » 773.472.3290 » info@shinjinkai.org
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The chief instructor of Shinjinkai Aikido training is our Director, Meido Moore Sensei. Mr. Moore is recognized as the foremost student of the late Aikido and Zen master Tenzan (Fumio) Toyoda Sensei, the founder of Shinjinkan dojo, under whom he lived for six years as uchideshi (personal apprentice). Moore Sensei holds the rank of godan (fifth degree black belt) issued by Aikido World H.Q., and is a certified Aikido teacher (shidoin). He is assisted by the two other Shinjinkai Directors: David Miller Sensei (godan) and John Mazza Sensei (godan); please see our People page for more information on Toyoda Sensei, Moore Sensei, and our staff.
Aikido (合気道) is a dynamic, powerful and graceful art founded early in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. Training emphasizes decisive techniques of defense (throws, joint-locks strikes and immobilizations) as well as traditional weapons training (long sword, staff and knife). These are practiced within the framework of a philosophy that seeks to avoid harming others whenever possible. Though a relatively modern art, Aikido is a potent distillation of centuries of martial knowledge. Through its techniques and principles, it transmits the most noble teachings of Japan's samurai tradition. Aikido is practiced by thousands worldwide, not only for fitness and self-defense, but as a vehicle for deep personal development.
Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei,
the Aikido Founder (1883-1969)
Ongoing Group Classes
Shinjinkai Aikido classes are offered at our Chicago headquarters seven days a week for adults and youth. Please click to download our full schedule and fee information (or click the red Information button to your left). For classes outside the Chicago area, please see our Locations page.
Aikido One Day Introduction Class for Beginners in Chicago
Join us for a free, hour-long introduction to Aikido for beginners. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to learn!
Participants will explore the philosophy of Aikido, basic movements and falling skills, and basic Aikido techniques. An open question-and-answer session with Meido Moore Sensei, our Chief Instructor, will follow. All are welcome, and no martial arts experience is required.
Days: One Wednesday and one Sunday each month (choose either one)
Upcoming 2008 Intro. Class Dates:
- January: Wednesday 1/9, Sunday 1/27
- February: Wednesday 2/13, Sunday 2/24
- March: Wednesday 3/5, Sunday 3/23
- April: Wednesday 4/9, Sunday 4/27
- May: Wednesday 5/7, Sunday 5/25
- June: Wednesday 6/4, Sunday 6/29
Time: Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:00pm; Sundays 1:30-2:30pm
Place: Shinjinkai H.Q., 3717 N. Ravenswood #113, Chicago, IL 60613
RSVP PLEASE by emailing us: info@shinjinkai.org
Note: it is not mandatory to attend an introductory class before coming in to register for Aikido. We are also be happy to schedule an introductory session for you on another day if necessary. Please click on the red Information button (left) to download our full weekly schedule and registration information for adults and children. The intro. sessions listed above are for adults only.
Aikido Mini-Seminars
Aikido Mini-Seminars exploring particular aspects of Aikido training or applications of Aikido for specialized use are offered periodically. Generally scheduled for weekend afternoons, these 1.5 or 2-hour sessions deal with such topics as randori (multiple attacker training), Aikido self-defense applications, Aikido for law-enforcement, etc. Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming Mini Seminars.
Moore Sensei, public demonstration in Chicago.
Tenzan Toyoda Sensei
(1947-2001)
Shinjinkai in Chicago is affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters (The Aikikai Foundation) through Birankai, under the guidance of T.K. Chiba Sensei. Among the most renowned of the living master-level Aikido teachers, Chiba Sensei lived as uchideshi at Aikido World H.Q. and studied as a personal student of the Aikido Founder. His intensely martial style and highly developed teaching methodology, combined with the teachings inherited from Toyoda Sensei, allow Shinjinkai to provide access to Aikido training with an enormous depth, breadth and richness.
T.K. Chiba Sensei
Private Lessons
Private lessons in Aikido are available by appointment. Please inquire.
The Shugyosei Program
Shinjinkai Aikido members wishing to commit in a more structured and intensive manner to the path of Aikido may apply to be accepted into our Shugyosei Program. The word shugyo refers to physical and spiritual training of the deepest possible nature. The goal of the Shugyosei Program is, through such devoted training, to forge and develop oneself and to overcome personal limitations. In doing so, students develop the ability to lead, to help others, and to be more effective in whatever life activities they undertake.
The Shugyosei Program entails a set schedule of mandatory Aikido and Zen training each week, service to the dojo and fellow students, instructor training, and specific other training for development of the body and character. Persons wishing to apply for the Shugyosei Program must first be enrolled as regular Aikido members at Shinjinkai, and must then complete an application process with Moore Sensei.
Persons interested in an even more intense, committed, and traditional residential training are referred to our Uchideshi information page.
