Welcome to Aikido Shimboku Dojo

Aikido Shimboku Dojo is a traditional martial arts dojo located in McHenry County, Illinois.  We offer Aikido classes for adults and children and Iaido classes for adults.  We are located at 9225 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, just north of the intersection of Route 31 and Virginia Road.

Aikido Shimboku Dojo and branch dojo are directly affiliated with the Aikikai Foundation and Aikido World Headquarters (Aikido Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan.  We enjoy a close relationship with Aikido World Headquarters due to our chief instructor's time and experiences in Japan.  All rank awarded to our students is registered directly with Aikido World Headquarters, who also issues our rank certificates.

Aikido Shimboku Dojo also works with the Japanese Culture Institute, a non-profit organization for the study of Japanese culture.  Throughout the year, the Japanese Culture Institute offers classes on a variety of interests, including Japanese language, tea cermony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, and Zen meditation.  Aikido Shimboku Dojo provides a location for the Institute to hold these classes, and provides Institute members the opportunity to experience the martial arts of Japan.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art developed in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei. It evolved from the older forms of Jujutsu to a non-violent, defensive martial art. It is a discipline that focuses on development of the body and the mind, and trains one to move in harmony with oneself and others. At the heart of Aikido is the Eastern concept of ki - the universal creative principle. Aikido seeks to unite this universal ki with the ki (life force or breath) found within each person. Literally, Aikido translates as 'the way of harmony with ki'.

The main principle in the execution of the techniques is to control the aggressor without inflicting injury. This is done by redirecting the force of attack, culminating in a throw, joint lock or immobilization.  Aikido has no contests between practitioners. Instead, the only competition is against oneself. Rank promotion tests are given periodically to measure one’s development. Training is conducted in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and respect.

Through training in Aikido, one can develop one's ability for self-protection. This is accomplished by the practice of both receiving and executing various techniques. Firmness, stability and elegance are what make Aikido a powerful and effective martial art. Systematic practice results in overall body conditioning by increasing flexibility and strength.

Aikido is practiced by thousands worldwide, not only for fitness and self-defense, but as a vehicle for deep personal development.