Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

Marsha Turner

Training Photos from Seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and Senior ASU Instructors

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Day 1 of Seminar (Friday, October 3, 2025)

Class with Marsha Turner Sensei (Chicago Aikikai)

Class with Eugene Lee Sensei (Aikido Shobukan Dojo)

Day 2 of Seminar (Saturday, October 4, 2025)

Class with Robert Deppe Sensei (Aikido Shobukan Dojo)

Class with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan (Founder and Leader, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU))

Class with Kay Sandacz Sensei (Inaka Dojo)

Class with Don Ellingsworth Sensei (Tampa Aikido)

Class with Jim Alvarez Sensei (Aikido of Livermore)

Day 3 of Seminar (Sunday, October 5, 2025)

Class with Kamenna Lee Sensei (Aikido Shobukan Dojo)

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

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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.

One-Day Seminar and Dan Tests

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On Saturday, October 15, 2022, Chicago Aikikai will be hosting a special seminar featuring Marsha Turner sensei (6th Dan, Chicago Aikikai), Kay Sandacz sensei (5th Dan, Inaka Dojo), and Nicole Mooney sensei (3rd Dan, Milwaukee Shobukan). There will be dan tests at the end of the day.
Schedule:
Class: 10 AM – 12 noon and 3-4 PM
Tests: 4 PM
Party: 5:30 PM
Click here for a downloadable flyer for the event.
Registration: Payment of $25 is accepted via paypal (info@chicagoaikikai.org), or cash/check at the door.
Vaccination: Vaccination proof is required for attending the seminar; masks are encouraged.
Observers are welcome!