This week marks the 87^th birthday of Mitsugi Saotome (born March 7, 1937), direct student of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Shihan (Master instructor), and founder of Chicago Aikikai’s parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU).

Best wishes and good health to Saotome Sensei!

お誕生日おめでとうございます！

(Japanese language tip for newcomers: Shihan is the proper title to use when listing or describing an instructor recognized as having high standing, while Sensei is the polite word to use when addressing or mentioning them in spoken language).

Chicago Aikikai has been invited back to demo at the Midwest Buddhist Temple‘s annual Ginza Holiday Japanese cultural festival.

Registration for the upcoming Transforming Conflict into Possibility workshop led by Qin Coe is now full. Although registration is closed, those interested may e-mail the dojo at chiaikikai@gmail.com to be placed on a waiting list in case a spot opens up or a mailing list for future workshops (Please specify).

Chicago Aikikai member and instructor Qin Zheng Coe (2nd dan) will be one of the supporting instructors at this year’s Midwest Bridge Seminar sponsored by Aikido Shimbokukai and held at Milwaukee Shobukan on March 22-24. Information and registration may be found here on the Shimbokukai website or on the Facebook event page.