Chicago's foremost school for the martial art of Aikido
“To practice Aikido fully, you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin.”
-Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Aikido, a martial way
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so it seems like a good time to turn back the clock and look at the Asian American origins of Chicago Aikikai and its place in bringing the Japanese martial art of aikido to the Windy City. [Read more…] about The Asian American Roots of Chicago Aikikai and Aikido in Chicago
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.
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