Welcome to Oak Park Aikikai!
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Oak Park Aikikai members are men and women, young and old(er), from Oak Park and surrounding communities, who come together on Tuesday and Friday nights to train with intention and purpose in the art of aikido. We are members of Birankai North America, an international aikido organization founded by T.K. Chiba, and affiliated with Aikikai Foundation, the aikido world headquarters in Japan.
Our program is offered through the Park District of Oak Park, and is housed at Carroll Center on south Kenilworth. You are invited to stop by – observe a class, talk to our members, learn more about us. Our classes are offered: Tuesdays, 630p – 715p: Beginning Aikido Tuesdays, 630p – 8p: Continuing II Aikido Fridays, 630p – 745p: Continuing I Aikido We can't wait to see you on the mat! |
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a martial art that was developed in the early 1900's by Morihei Ueshiba, known to aikido practitioners as O'Sensei, or "great teacher." Aikido is informed by sword and spear fighting, jujutsu, and other martial arts, and relies on joint locks, pins, and throws to control the attacker decisively and without serious injury - a philosophical aim of the art. Aikidoka control and re-direct the agression and momentum of the attacker. As such, it is not necessary to be physically strong to practice aikido; students learn to blend with the aggressive energy by getting off the line of the attack, and employing a centered, often circular, response.
A sincere, rigorous, and disciplined commitment to the art helps practitioners develop unity of mind, body and spirit.
Many practitioners apply the concepts of aikido outside the realm of the martial arts - "off the mat" aikido - and experience an enhanced ability to deal effectively with conflict, and live life with greater openness and awareness.
In one of his final talks, Master Ueshiba said "Aikido is the true budo, the working of love in the universe. it is the protector of all living things; it is a means by which everything is given life, each in its respective place. It is the creative source of not only the true martial art but of all things."
Aikido is a martial art that was developed in the early 1900's by Morihei Ueshiba, known to aikido practitioners as O'Sensei, or "great teacher." Aikido is informed by sword and spear fighting, jujutsu, and other martial arts, and relies on joint locks, pins, and throws to control the attacker decisively and without serious injury - a philosophical aim of the art. Aikidoka control and re-direct the agression and momentum of the attacker. As such, it is not necessary to be physically strong to practice aikido; students learn to blend with the aggressive energy by getting off the line of the attack, and employing a centered, often circular, response.
A sincere, rigorous, and disciplined commitment to the art helps practitioners develop unity of mind, body and spirit.
Many practitioners apply the concepts of aikido outside the realm of the martial arts - "off the mat" aikido - and experience an enhanced ability to deal effectively with conflict, and live life with greater openness and awareness.
In one of his final talks, Master Ueshiba said "Aikido is the true budo, the working of love in the universe. it is the protector of all living things; it is a means by which everything is given life, each in its respective place. It is the creative source of not only the true martial art but of all things."
When we practice with weapons, we use tanto (wooden knife); bokken (wooden sword); and jyo (wooden staff). Practicing with weapons is an extension of practicing open hand. Because of the potential for injury, however, weapons practice helps us sharpen our focus and attention. It also hones our practice without weapons. |
Training
In Oak Park, we train regularly in body arts and weapons. Body arts is simply the practice of aikido without weapons – “open hand” or “empty hand” practice. Beginners to aikido will spend most of their time practicing without weapons. As one’s practice advances, weapons will gradually be incorporated into the training. 
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Many aikido practitioners also participate in Zazen (seated meditation) and Iai Battoho (sword drawing). Our limited practice schedule makes it impractical for us to practice these complementary traditions. If you are interested in either zazen or iaido, we will be happy to refer you to other Birankai dojo.