Aikido World Alliance

Aikido is offered at Enso by the Aikido World Alliance. Classes are offered to students ages 15 and up, regardless of fitness level or previous martial arts experience.

About Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art created by the enlightened master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). The word “Aikido” means “the Way of Harmonious Energy.” The Founder believed deeply that the true path is the path of compassion and that the true purpose of a warrior is to protect and preserve life, not to kill and destroy. These ideals are reflected clearly in the principles and techniques of Aikido. Practically speaking, Aikido techniques require little or no physical strength to execute, and most often involve joint locks, throws, and pins. The defender blends with the attacker and re-directs the aggressive energy safely away, or back to the attacker. Aikido is practiced with a partner or in groups, and each participant practices the role of thrower (nage) and faller (uke). Learning to fall safely and protect one’s body at all times is a vital aspect of Aikido training. Benefits of Aikido practice include improved coordination, balance, timing, stamina, flexibility, concentration, awareness, and empathy.

Instructor - Jonathan Knipping

Jonathan Knipping holds the rank of nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Aikido from Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo in Japan. He began his study of Aikido in 1999 under the late Fumio Toyoda Shihan, at the Aikido Association of America’s headquarter dojo in Chicago. Since Toyoda Sensei’s passing in 2001, Jonathan has trained under former AAA Chief Instructor and 6th degree black belt Andrew Sato Sensei. Sato Sensei began his Aikido training under Toyoda Shihan in 1978. In 2005, Sato Sensei left the AAA to form his own organization, the Aikido World Alliance in order to further improve his own understanding of Aikido. Jonathan is a founding member of the AWA and is a regular instructor at AWA headquarters, Kiku Matsu Dojo in Lincoln Square, Chicago, where he continues to train under Sato Sensei. Jonathan also brings experience with taiji, Pa Kua, karate, grappling, and yoga to bear on the subject of Aikido and its relationship to other arts.

Class Schedule

Please see the schedule for aikido class times.

Fees

Please see the Aikido Fees section for details on fees.