Japanese Martial and Meditative Arts in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs

Aikido, the “way of harmony,” is a modern Japanese martial art that uses throws, joint locks and pins to redirect the force of aggressors. It also employs wooden weapons (sword and staff/spear) as a way to enhance and extend open-hand training.

Benefits of Aikido include developing focus, confidence, discipline, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Aikido is a viable practice for men and women of all ages and physical abilities.

There is no competition in Aikido. Rather, a student's development is marked by their interaction with others and their ability to blend with an attack or deliver one, take a fall safely, and redirect an aggressor's energy. The focus is on working through conflict and improving oneself through rigorous cooperative training.