Aikido in Rockford - About Traditional Aikido

Traditional Aikido in the Rockford Area

At the Rockford Aikikai we strive to teach aikido as passed down to us from the founder and and former chief instructor Akira Tohei Shihan. He was born in 1929 in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, and began training in Aikido in 1946 under the direction of Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba.

Mr. Tohei had been a staff instructor at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo and at several affiliate dojos throughout Japan. He also taught for one year in the Hawaiian Islands. In 1966 he was awarded the title of Shihan (Master Instructor, 'teacher of teachers') by the Aikido Founder.

Mr.Tohei came to Chicago in 1972 and was promoted to 8th Dan in 1989 by Aikido Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba. He spent the next 27 years teaching and promoting the ideals of the Aikido Founder throughout the Midwest, serving as the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the United States Aikido Federation, as well as Chairman of the North American Shihankai. Up until his death July 2, 1999, he was the most senior Aikido instructor in the United States.

The following links will help you learn more about this most unique of all martial arts:

How aikido is different

Aikido and practical self defense

Basic techniques in aikido

Aikido strikes

Common attacks in aikido

Weapons training

The Ki in aikido

The goal in aikido

Aikido and other types of conflict

Classes and training

Ranking in aikido