Kiku Matsu Dojo

There are a lot of things you can do for which the saying is true: you get out of it what you put into it. What kind of opportunities do we have to get into something that keeps paying off like that for decades? Kiku Matsu Dojo is the kind of place where doing martial arts is way more than a commercial decision. I’ve seen people change over periods of months, and I’m sure it’s changed me. If you’re interested, you try it out, and decide if you can see a «new you.» The monthly fee is cheap compared to gyms and classes, because you can attend all of the open classes every week, as many as you want.
For me, it’s a great workout, with social reinforcement. It’s also an attitude adjustment: drama at the office just doesn’t have the same gravity. Learning fundamental skills that Aikido imparts will pay off in subtle ways on the street: being aware of your space, others in it, and their intentions. There’s a spiritual angle also, but I would describe it more as «profoundly pragmatic.» All of this is taught, reinforced, practiced in a friendly accommodating positive motivational atmosphere by people with mixed levels of experience. I always leave feeling recharged.

Learning martial arts is like learning a language, it will take years to be proficient in conversation and decades to achieve mastery. I started training at Kiku Matsu 4.5 months ago. The class sizes are generally small, so frequently beginners are paired with high ranking practitioners who will patiently demonstrate the basics. To practice with people with decades of experience is quite an honor, and I have learned so much in a short time. Aikido’s spiral movement looks simple and elegant but has a learning curve. In order to master the techniques, you first have to work diligently to move fluidly and with precision. I have received many helpful pointers which enabled me to correct my mistakes.
A bit of personal background. I studied a bit of karate in my youth, but I found that Aikido teaches beginners efficient yet elegant movements that one often does not learn in karate until after reaching black belt. Another problem I saw with karate in America is often they failed to teach students to get out of the centerline of attack. If you go up against a swordsman without moving out of the way you will be cut down or stabbed instantly. Yet what I saw in karate tournaments was lots of straight line fighting which was pointless.
I have had no trouble finding free street parking east of Lincoln Avenue, though in good weather I prefer to bike to the dojo.

I’ve been training here now for over six years. I earned my Shodan! Woohoo! I’m a certified beginner. Besides the community you feel when spending this kind of time with people, I am still amazed at what’s left to take away from Aikido under Sato Shihan. Lately he’s been bringing in some really good guest instructors for seminars. At my level, I can start to perceive some of the nuanced stylistic differences and teaching styles between these masters. I’m also aware of some of the things they all have in common: there’s a weird dimension of gentle playfulness. It’s weird to think of gentle playfulness in the context of a martial art, but it may help to think of it as almost feline like a cat playing with a mouse.
So now I can do most of the basic movement with minimal awkwardness, and I’m not completely flabbergasted when I have to do something extemporaneously, but I used to be and feel so awkward. Maybe this new kind of liberty I’ve detected is within reach? I have to try! Here’s to another 6 – 7 years!

Amazing dojo with many great teachers. Sato sensei is a fantastic head instructor, very straightforward and a lot of fun. The community is very close knit, like a second home to me. Great for all levels of students.

Many times when looking for a dojo, the question comes up of which is the best or toughest art. The truth is, no one art is the best, «be all» form for everyone’s needs. You need to find what’s right for you physically and more importantly mentally. Let’s be real, if you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to do it.
To dive in. Kikumatsu is the world headquarters of the Aikido World Alliance. A collection of 55 dojos that have come together under the leadership of Andrew Sato Shihan, Rokudan Aikikai. Sato Sensei is one of the few Hombu Dojo recognized Shihan (Teacher of teachers) in the Midwest. (Hombu Dojo is the dojo in Japan that the founder of Aikido began and serves as the lead governing organization for the art of Aikido) He has personally helped shape a group of exceptional instructors that lead classes meant to challenge while keeping things approachable to anyone who would like to join.
Make no mistake. Aikido is a martial art that can be extremely devastating. In the next breath it can be a graceful art that has been looked at as a moving meditation. It is based upon blending with an attacker and turning their own force against themselves. But it is also so much more, and the longer it is practiced the more one gleans. One of it’s main purposes is «victory over self,» and through continued practice one not only gains mentally and physically but also learns to help and care for those around them.
This is an area where Kikumatsu shines. Not only do the teachers help their students, but a system is set up where senior students are expected to and enjoy helping new members and students that have less experience then themselves. Since it is mandatory for teachers to also attend general classes as students, often you find yourself practicing with other instructors in a one to one situation.
Members range from kids through «mature» men and women with just about every physical fitness and intensity level imaginable. There are special beginner and kids classes offered and both are awesome!
As you can tell I’m a big fan and have been a member for around 8 years. Come down and join us or just check out a class to see if you find it enjoyable.

I returned to practicing aikido a little over a year ago after a long absence. I knew Andy Sato Shihan from my «old days», and it was his gentle persistence and encouragement that moved me to finally get my hip replaced and return to some physical activity. After getting myself in some semblance of fitness, I stepped back on to the mat. My only regret is not having done it sooner!
Sato Shihan is as fine a teacher (and as wonderful a human being) as you’ll find anywhere. Down-​to-​earth and welcoming, yet serious and supremely dedicated to his desire to teach aikido to anyone who expresses their intention to learn.
Kiku Matsu dojo has a large number of black belts – a wonderful resource for someone new to the art or (like me) needing guidance on the path. Class sizes vary depending on everyone’s schedules, but they’re typically small enough for focused attention from the instructor and senior students.
Aikido is a serious Japanese martial art. You can read more about it elsewhere, but in brief: it’s challenging, fun, invigorating, a great way to master your body, and an art that can be practiced by someone of any age. I’m in my 50s and have some physical issues, but I’m able (and encouraged) to tune my practice to the limits of my ability. I’m finding that my limits aren’t as limited as I thought. ;-)
The path each of us follows in our aikido practice is unique, but we’re each guided by the same lightposts along the way. That sense of common purpose gives rise to a feeling of community and positivity. Time on the mat can vary between deadly serious and lightheartedly joyous, but it’s always about learning and improving and knowing yourself better. At Kiku Matsu there is a deep sense of dedication to learning, and of dedication to helping each other learn. I feel gratitude toward my family of training partners at the dojo for keeping true to these ideals.
I encourage you to come and check it out! Sit in and watch a class, then sign up for the 4-​week intro.

This is a great organization
Aikido is taught with emphasis on the teachings of O’sensei. Sensei Andrew Sato is the founder and executive dirrctor of the organization. There are numerous dojos across the United States and abroad.

I went for a free hatha yoga class, and it was nice.
The owner/​instructor seemed very well versed in yoga and tradition. It’s a martial arts studio though, they do akido, etc. It’s a little dreary on the inside. Kind of low ceilings and dark.
It’s a storefront, so I don’t usually like to do my yoga with people walking by the windows. That was a definite minus.
I went for yoga, It’s definitely more geared towards akido/​martial arts and I’d be interested to see how well it ranks with those reviewers.