Congratulations to everyone who took their kyu tests at our March Third Friday class!

Philip Bell (6th), Christian Boswell (5th), Marsha Turner (Chief Instructor), and Allie Dignan (6th)

Students who tested together with instructors, seniors and supporters

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.