Aikido of Southern Illinois

09/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1bVvT2q353/

Not Aikido, but interesting sword culture. Some of you have heard me talk about the test cuts.

09/09/2026

We are back! Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend. The next session starts Monday, Sept 14. However, we will have class this evening where Karen Sensei will continue our intercession exploration.

Registration is here: https://share.google/OZDwmn3DcdyZY9jgQ

Looking forward to seeing you on the mat!

09/07/2026

Good evening everyone. We hope you are enjoying your long weekend. As a reminder, there is no class tomorrow, Monday, September 7th. Take care and we'll see you Wednesday.

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

Today is the day!! Karen Sensei and I will be at the dojo early to get things ready for the tests. Good luck to everyone!

Send a message to learn more

06/08/2026

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Karen Sensei and I had such a good time at Chicago Aikikai this weekend. You can expect some of what was taught by Tres Hofmeister Sensei to be covered and discussed in class.

06/01/2026

The next session with the Carbondale Park District starts Monday, June 8th - the day after the instructors return from a seminar st Chicago Aikikai.

For this week, we explore aspects from other arts.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat.

05/24/2026

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Incredible targeting.

05/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LbgQW9wHh/

That last cut...

04/09/2026

Congratulations to the new Shihans - Master Instructors - in our parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. For us, a special huzzah for friend and mentor Marsha Turner Shihan of Chicago Aikikai.

2026 Shihan Appointments

We are pleased to announce that the following ASU members have been appointed Shihan by the Examination Committee for the Appointment of Shihan at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Congratulations to all!

Jim Alvarez, Aikido of Livermore
Lee Crawford, Bond Street Dojo
Robert Deppe, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Eugene Lee, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Chetan Prakash, Redlands Aikikai
Gary Small, Aikido of Maine
Marsha Turner, Chicago Aikikai

This honor reflects their deep experience, technical mastery, and long-standing dedication to the transmission of Aikido and its values through their leadership, engagement, and support of ASU.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Saotome Sensei, whose vision and lifelong commitment to Aikido continue to guide and inspire our community. We also offer our sincere thanks to Doshu and the Aikikai Foundation for this recognition.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders in our community.