Traditional Aikido in the Rockford AreaAikido, comprised of the three Japanese words ai, ki and do means the way of the spirit of harmony. Considered a grappling style, in which attacks are neutralised with various types of throws and/or joint locks, it is a relatively recent innovation and contribution to the world of martial arts. Most martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement, but Aikido is different in that it teaches defense without causing injury to attackers. A Japanese martial art, Aikido, formed by Morihei Ueshiba during the 1920s an 30s is a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. The primary influence and core discipline Aikido evolved from was Daito-ryu aiki jujutsu. Additionally, along with empty-handed throwing and joint-locking techniques, Aikido derives much of its technical structure and distinction from the sword. Ueshiba incorporated training movements from the study of the other popular weapons spear, saff and bayonet as well. Initially, Ueshiba referred to his martial art as "Aiki Budo". It is unclear exactly when he officially began using the name "Aikido", but, historically, it became the official name of the art in the early 1940s. In his later years, Ueshiba considered Aikido not primarily as a system of combat, but rather as a means of self-cultivation and improvement. with the philosophy to extend love and compassion, especially to those who seek to harm others. Rockford Aikikai began in 1989 as a satellite dojo of the Midwest Aikido Federation (MAF), which was founded by 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. Sensei William vonGlockner, 3rd dan, has been the primary instructor since 1990 for Rockford Aikikai of the MAF. In 2010 Rockford Aikikai also became affiliated with Capital Aikikai of Silver Spring, Maryland -- the main dojo of Clyde Takeguchi Shihan, its founder. Takeguchi Sensei is a shichidan — a seventh degree black belt — and a Hombu-certified shihan instructor. He began his study of aikido in 1958 in his native Hawaii. In addition to founding Capital Aikikai in 1973, Takeguchi sensei founded the aikido clubs in Madison, WI, and Charleston, SC. He has taught aikido at the police departments in Honolulu and Madison, as well as at the US Customs Academy in Washington, DC. Sensei Justin Ramza, 2nd dan, was an instructor of Aikido at Rockford Aikikai since 2002, and in 2010 became the primary instructor for Aikido of Rockford under Shihan Takeguchi of Capital Aikikai. The following links will help you learn more about this most unique of all martial arts: Aikido and practical self defense Aikido and other types of conflict Self improvement and cooperation
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