Aikido Kokikai - University of Chicago

			home

			philosophy

			club info

			resources

			history

			members

			gallery

			video

Kokikai Aikido is a self-defense art that uses throws and pins to defend against striking and grabbing attacks. One moves out of the way of an attack and simultaneously uses the attack's momentum to unbalance and redirect the attacker. In other words, Kokikai Aikido uses timing, evasion, and redirection, not great physical strength in order to neutralize an attack.

Kokikai Aikido has a minimalist aesthetic expressed as "minimum effort for maximum effect"; in Kokikai, the ideal technique is the most natural and comfortable one, requiring the least movement and the least energy. Kokikai is also a modern school of Aikido; our techniques continually evolve and become more effective against realistic attacks.

Our classes are held at the Ratner Athletics Center in the Martial Arts room on the second floor. The current schedule is as follows:

weekly schedule for spring quarter 2008

march 31 - june 14

mondays 9:15pm - 10:45pm

wednesdays 9:15pm - 10:45pm

saturdays 1:00pm - 2:45pm

Kokikai Aikido has no competitions, matches, or weight classes. Men and women of different ages, sizes, and levels of experience can practice together comfortably. Practice is at the student's pace, so that everyone can enjoy Kokikai Aikido, not only the young and physically fit.

In addition to self-defense techniques, students learn to roll safely and comfortably. Students also learn movement exercises that improve balance, coordination, gracefulness, and posture, as well as deep breathing and meditation exercises that improve calmness, relaxation, and concentration. Practice also includes training with tanto (wooden knife), bokken (wooden sword) and jo (wooden staff).

A typical class begins with warm-ups, followed by Ki Development Exercises; the remainder of the class concentrates on self-defense techniques. Each technique is demonstrated by the instructor and practiced by the class in partners or groups.

Announcements concerning the club are made through our email listserv, which can be subscribed to at

https://listhost.uchicago.edu/mailman/listinfo/aikido-kokikai

New members may join at any time; no previous experience is necessary. Members may attend as many classes as they wish, although we recommend attending at least twice a week for good progress.

Visitors are welcome to watch class, whether or not considering joining.

Access to our dojo is restricted to University of Chicago students, faculty, staff, or their spouses or children. Alumni of the university with an athletic pass can also gain access. Vistors not affiliated with the university can purchase a one-time pass for a small fee at the front desk of the Ratner Athletics Center Monday through Friday between 6:00am and 8:00pm. You will need a member of the University of Chicago with access to the facilities to sponsor you. If you need help acquiring a pass, please contact one of the instructors.

tsuki kokyunage