• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Aikido Chicago Aikikai

Chicago's foremost school for the martial art of Aikido

  • HOME
  • DONATE
  • RESOURCES
  • CLASSES
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • INSTRUCTORS
  • VISIT

RESOURCES

Interview with Marsha Turner, Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho of Chicago Aikikai

January 18, 2023 By maletu

Marsha Turner is Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho (director) of Chicago Aikikai, the city’s oldest dojo (school) for the Japanese martial art of aikido. Assuming leadership in 2012, Turner brings more than 37 years of training under such notable instructors as Mitsugi Saotome, Shihan (Master Instructor) and founder of the Aikikai’s parent organization Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), and her predecessor, late Chief Instructor Kevin Choate. A former student of ballet and other forms of dance, as well as fencing, Turner is noted for her detail-oriented instruction and proficiency in such areas as traditional Japanese weapons work. In addition to regular classes at the Aikikai, Turner has guest instructed at Winter Term at Oberlin College, the ASU Winter Intensive, and the Midwest Bridge Seminar.

Chicago Aikikai member Dwight Sora interviewed Marsha Turner and put together this video.

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Chicago Aikikai, Marsha Turner

Syncopated Jo Kata

June 11, 2022 By maletu

[Read more…] about Syncopated Jo Kata

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: jo kata, Kevin Choate, Marsha Turner, video

Mementos of a Life: Gifts from Wendy Whited Sensei

May 20, 2022 By maletu

At the seminar held in appreciation of Wendy Whited Sensei April 8-10, 2022, at Inaka Dojo in Beecher, Illinois, participants were each offered offered a small gift bag containing items of traditional Japanese art and design. [Read more…] about Mementos of a Life: Gifts from Wendy Whited Sensei

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Japanese culture

Training Differently

March 2, 2012 By kevin

Every practice has a cost, there is a ton of slag for an ounce of gold. Just walking in the door and getting on the mat for an hour doesn’t necessarily meaning that you’ll make any progress. Over time technique will stagnate and training may get boring, but even worse the risk for injuries goes way up. [Read more…] about Training Differently

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: mindset

Taking Ukemi

May 13, 2011 By kevin

Half of an aikido class is falling down and while falling down is fun, good exercise and a chance to feel the skills of my partner I want it to be more.  I’ve come to realize that I can help a new student more when I am taking ukemi that when I am doing the technique (or even than when I am leading class).  In addition I can learn more about how to do the technique and why the technique works from uke side than from nage side. [Read more…] about Taking Ukemi

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: mindset

Are You Really Training?

May 10, 2011 By kevin

Have you ever noticed this about yourself?

Your partner does an “unfair” move towards you, for example, he responds to your light strike with a hard and painful one. And then you get angry.

Or your partner is a bit arrogant or slow to learn, and you get irritated. [Read more…] about Are You Really Training?

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: mindset

Primary Sidebar

Free Intro Classes

Curious about Chicago Aikikai? We have two classes especially to welcome you!

Newcomers:  You are invited to our Saturday class at 10 AM or to our Sunday class at 11 AM. You may join us on the mat, or observe. We are currently mask-optional, but you are welcome to wear a mask if you wish.

If you will be practicing with us, you will need to bring proof of vaccination against covid-19. Please show up a few minutes early to introduce yourself, sign a waiver, and to warm up.  Bring sweats or other loose-fitting exercise clothing (and optional mask).

If you’d prefer to visit a different class, please contact info@chicagoaikikai.org to make arrangements.

Visiting aikidoka: You are welcome to train with us, whatever your affiliation may be. We do require a small mat fee.

 

Chicago Aikikai is located at:

1444 W. Chicago Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60642

Free parking is available along the North and South bound streets, and (weekends and after 4:30 PM on schooldays) in the diagonal spots behind Golder Prep.

Footer

Aikido

Aikido, the art of peace, offers a modern-day path to achieving inner balance. Rooted in the traditional disciplines of the Japanese samurai warriors - including jitsu (hand), ken (sword) and yari (spear) - Aikido is a contemporary martial art that can effectively repel any attack, but the goal is nonviolent conflict resolution.

Featured Links

Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
International Aikikai Foundation
AikiWeb.com
Boulder Aikikai
Aikido Journal

Chicago Aikikai

1444 W. Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor (above Beauty Bar)
Chicago, IL 60642

312-880-7357
info@chicagoaikikai.org

Copyright © 2023 · Made with for Chicago Aikikai · Log in