Welcome to Aikido Shimboku Dojo

We offer Aikido classes to adults and children in McHenry County.  We are located at 9225 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills, just north of the intersection of Route 31 and Virginia Road.

Aikido Shimboku Dojo and branch dojo are recognized by 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 rank certificates for our students.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art developed in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba. 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.