Aikido of Harvard

Aikido of Harvard Aikido is a martial discipline for training the mind and spirit. It is not "rough," and in fact appears to be quite smooth and graceful to first-time visitors.

Aikido does not stress competition, but emphasizes a win-win situation that helps develop a spirit of harmony and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for others. From a technical standpoint, Aikido is basically defensive and oriented toward rolling, joint locks, flowing movement and control of balance. THE NATURE AND HISTORY OF AIKIDO

The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of spiritual harmony." Aikido is a budo or "martial way," evolved in the tradition of Japanese warrior arts, yet has a unique approach to self defense. Aikido is more than a martial science of strategy and tactics, it is a discipline for training the mind and spirit. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to Aikido students as O Sensei (Great Teacher). As a young man, he overcame debilitating childhood illnesses through martial arts practice, eventually becoming a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. O Sensei also held strong Shinto religious convictions concerning the ultimate futility of conflict and the illusory character of victory based on strength. This internal contradiction, which drove O Sensei to adopt a life of austerity and rigorous training, was resolved through an enlightenment experience which led to the development of Aikido, a martial art influenced by a philosophy of universal harmony.

We had a small dojo family celebration for Leonard Sensei's promotion to Shihan. It was a fun night with old friends.
09/14/2026

We had a small dojo family celebration for Leonard Sensei's promotion to Shihan. It was a fun night with old friends.

Aikido of Harvard would like to congratulate Joe Nootens and Shane Wolf on passing their recent tests. Joe 1Kyu and Shan...
07/10/2026

Aikido of Harvard would like to congratulate Joe Nootens and Shane Wolf on passing their recent tests. Joe 1Kyu and Shane 3Kyu

Narita Taiko Festival 2026
04/21/2026

Narita Taiko Festival 2026

Narita Taiko Festival 2026

04/17/2026
04/15/2026

Address

5507 S Division Street
Harvard, IL
60033

Opening Hours

Monday 7pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 7pm - 9:30pm

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