Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

Seminar

Thank you, Ikeda Sensei

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Chicago Aikikai enjoyed its final seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (8th dan, Boulder Aikikai) at its current location at 1444 W. Chicago Avenue, September 12-14. New and old faces included guests from Inaka Dojo, Aikido of Western Illinois, Lake County Aikikai, Greater Detroit Budojuku, Milwaukee Shobukan, Aikido Club of Nile, Abiding Spirit Aikikai and Aikido of Wales.

Former Chicago Aikikai member Takashi Kozawa provided some video clips taken the Sunday of the seminar. For the last day, Ikeda Sensei slowed things down for focused study of connecting one’s center to their partner and breaking their balance. Clips may be viewed on the dojo’s YouTube channel.

The seminar also provided Chicago Aikikai with the opportunity to celebrate Ikeda Sensei’s recent promotion to 8th dan by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo). Saturday night after class, Chicago Aikikai had Japanese food brought in from Torino Ramen restaurant in Wilmette, which included a customized celebratory cake.

Congratulations and thank you so much, Ikeda Sensei!

 

 

 

Thank you Tres Hofmeister Sensei

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Great seminar this past weekend with Tres Hofmeister Sensei (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai). Terrific turnout from many of our fellow dojo and everything went smoothly thanks to all the Chicago Aikikai members who worked on the event.

Congratulations also to Chicago Aikikai members who took their dan tests this past week at the seminar: Satoko Bourdaughs (shodan), Rob Brose (nidan), and Eric Sirota (shodan).

We also celebrated  Tres Hofmeister Sensei’s recent recognition as a Shihan by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) with a cake after dinner on Saturday of the seminar.

Also, special shoutout to Chicago Aikikai member Joe Guerrier (below left, pictured in a 2024 publicity shot) who injured his leg earlier in the week and was unable to train at the Tres Hofmeister seminar, but was there everyday going the extra mile working registration, T-shirt sales, food prep and cleanup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to our Nanadan guest instructors!

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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.

Nanadan Seminar with George Ledyard Sensei and Chuck Weber Sensei

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Click here to register.

Please note registrations limited to 50.

 

SCHEDULE:

Friday evening

6:30pm-7:25 – 55 min

Break 10 min

7:35pm-8:30pm – 55 min

Saturday morning

9:30am-10:45am – 75 min

Break 15 min

11:00am-12:15pm – 75 min

Group photo following circle after class

2 hr lunch break – 12:30pm-2:30pm

Saturday afternoon

2:30pm-3:45 – 75 min

Break 15 min

4:00pm-5:15pm – 75 min

Evening party / food at the dojo 6pm+

 

Sunday morning

9:30am-10:45am – 75 min

Break 15 min

11:00am-12:15pm – 75 min

Seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (池田裕師範)

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Chicago Aikikai enthusiastically welcomes back Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai) for his annual three-day seminar in the Windy City, September 15 – 17, 2023. Aikido students of all levels and affiliations are welcome to register for training. Observers may watch for free. [Read more…] about Seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (池田裕師範)