Aikido, Japanese Martial Arts in Chicago

WELCOME

3717 N Ravenswood, #113 » Chicago, IL 60613 » 773.472.3290 » info@shinjinkai.org

Shinjinkai, The Japanese Martial Arts Society, is a community united by a common purpose: intensive study of classical and modern martial systems arising from Japan's warrior tradition. Our mission: to make the practice of shugyo (deep mind/body training) available to all through the vehicle of authentic martial arts.

Our headquarters is the Shinjinkan, founded in the mid 1980's and now a beautiful traditional dojo on Chicago's north side. The facility is also home to Daiyuzenji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, which offers training in meditation. In addition, we oversee programs at other locations in the Chicago area including Mt. Prospect, Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern University in Evanston, and the Chicago Police Academy. We conduct training seminars internationally.

Shinjinkai offers the following classes in the Chicago area. Please click on each below to learn more. To download our full brochure (.pdf), including class schedules and fees, click on the red Information button on the left. For information on associated groups outside the Chicago area, please see our Locations page).

AIKIDO: Adult classes in this dynamic martial art are conducted seven days a week at several locations. Youth classes are conducted twice a week. A four-week Introductory Course is offered to give beginners a solid foundation for regular study (though this course is not required to join our regular program). Shinjinkai conducts an intensive residential (uchideshi) training program, and participates in an International Exchange program with other Aikido dojo throughout the world. Shinjinkai's Aikido program is affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo (the Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo, through Birankai North America under the direction of T.K. Chiba Shihan.

SHINBUKAN KURODA RYU-GI: The Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo was founded in 1848 to instruct the martial arts handed down within the Kuroda family: Komagawa Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu, Shishin Takuma ryu Jujutsu, Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu, and Tsubaki Kotengu Ryu Bojutsu. The Shinbukan headmaster in the present generation is the renowned Tetzuzan Kuroda Sensei. Our facility is home to a study group, the Shinbukan Chicago Keikokai, under his direction.

IAIDO: Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo is an Edo-period style of close-quarters, unarmored swordsmanship founded in 1693. Shinjinkai maintains the Chicago branch of the United States Federation of Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo. Training is offered three times a week.

BATTODO: Battodo is a modern system of practical techiques for drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword. Training centers on eight seitei kata (standardized forms) performed from a standing position, and on tameshigiri: the actual cutting of targets with live blades to develop realistic technique.

INTERNAL TRAINING FOR MARTIAL ARTS: Internal training methods, which involve correct use of the hara (center) and the cultivation of ki energy in the body, are offered to Shinjinkai members in a dedicated class once per week. These methods are excellent not only for realizing the deepest goals of martial training, but also for maintaining general health and well-being.

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING: The Shinjinkai-associated Chicago Police Aikido Club, which meets at the Chicago Police Academy, focuses on the instruction of effective, liability-sensitive use-of-force skills for armed professionals. Shinjinkai also hosts seminars and other training events instructing modern tactical applications of martial arts.

THE SHINJINKAI NIHONTO [JAPANESE SWORD] STUDY GROUP: Through textual study and hands-on examination of Japanese blades, Sword Study Group members explore the amazing technical and artistic achievements of Japanese smiths, ancient and modern.

ZEN: Shinjinkai shares its space with Daiyuzenji, a Rinzai Zen temple; our Director is also a Zen priest and Rinzai lineage holder. Training in meditation and other aspects of Zen practice are offered at our location seven days a week. Shinjinkai is also involved with Korinji, a new Rinzai monastery being constructed in the Madison, Wisconsin area.

We welcome your interest and inquiries. Please feel free to contact us for more information, or to make an appointment to visit, view or try a class:

Shinjinkai

3717 N. Ravenswood #113

Chicago, IL 60613 USA

(773) 472-3290

Email us: info@shinjinkai.org

Google Map here

Shinjinkai dedicates its efforts to the memory of our dojo's founder, the late Aikido and Zen master Tenzan Gensho Rokoji (Fumio Toyoda Sensei, 1947-2001):

"Budo [the martial Way] means to live and to die fully: with full awareness, with sharpness, with intensity, with compassion. It's a good path, and it's open for anyone. So let's walk together."

- Toyoda Sensei

Shinjinkai has established and enforces a Harassment Policy and Safe Child Guidelines.