Since 2005, Asiatic Martial Arts - Bushinkan Dojo has been providing instruction in the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido in the Chicago, IL area. Under the direction of Mr. Shareef Muhammad, Bushinkan is an affiliate and member Dojo of Aikido United. Headed by Warren Jones, Sensei - 6th dan, Aikido United is an association of independent Dojo united by the particular aikido methodology that we study. Our classes are currently being held at:
Hayes Park Field House 2936 W. 85th Street (2 blocks east of Kedzie)
This site is designed to give you information about our facility, our style of martial arts, our staff and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.
Aikido is a modern martial art founded in the 1940’s by Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O’Sensei or “great teacher.” While it is a contemporary martial art, Aikido has its roots in the ancient martial traditions of Japan. Aikido is made up of three words; “Ai”, meaning harmony, “Ki”, meaning energy, and “Do”, meaning path or way. Therefore, Aikido can be loosely translated to mean “The way of harmony with energy” or “the way of harmonious energy.” This translation speaks to the philosophy of aikido, which is what makes it a unique martial art style. When an aikido practitioner is attacked, the objective is not to destroy, but rather to neutralize the attacker, and if possible, cause no serious harm. When attacked, Aikido says “blend and redirect the energy of the attack”, rather than “block and counter-attack”. While atemi or striking, is not absent from the aikido repertoire, strikes are used more for distraction rather than destruction. Aikido training also involves the use of weapons, namely the jo (staff), ken (sword), and tanto (knife). The weapons training is not just to learn defense against armed attacks, but also to emphasize aikido movement, timing, and positioning.
Aikido is a modern martial art founded in the 1940’s by Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O’Sensei or “great teacher.” While it is a contemporary martial art, Aikido has its roots in the ancient martial traditions of Japan.
