An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido
Chicago Aikikai has rescheduled its furoshiki Japanese wrapping workshop and dojo fundraiser originally set for September 22 to take place on Sunday, November 10 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Dojo member Satoko Bourdaghs will lead instruction in how to make your own furoshiki, and participants will get to take home their work and enjoy Japanese tea and snacks. To register, please go to our Eventbrite page here.
Chicago Aikikai donated a 3-month aikido class intro package to Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Oak Park, Illinois in support of their 15th anniversary concert, “Malama: Preserve Protect Honor“. The package will be offered as part of a silent auction fundraiser taking place during the concert.
Chicago Aikikai had a great seminar September 13-15 with guest instructors George Ledyard (7th dan, Aikido Eastside) and Chuck Weber (7th dan, Baltimore Aikido). Both instructors, senior students of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, brought their years of experience and insight to classes focusing on the fundamentals and keys to practicing randori (乱取り; multiple person attacks). The seminar, titled “Aikido Beyond Thought” is part of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)‘s ongoing series of Nanadan (7th degree black belt) seminars under the banner of “Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward“.
Our deepest gratitude to Ledyard Sensei, Weber Sensei, and of course Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and all the guests who attended.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chicago Aikikai must unfortunately cancel the upcoming furoshiki workshop that was scheduled for 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 22. We hope to reschedule at a later date. Refunds will be issued to those who registered.
Chicago Aikikai had a great time with its demonstrations at the annual Anime Magic convention August 30 – September 1.
Here is a short video featuring our members at work. Enjoy!
Chicago Aikikai will be at this year’s Anime Magic anime convention, August 30 – September 1 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare & Donald E Stephens Convention Center. The dojo will have an info booth and performing onsite demos throughout the weekend. More details to come!