6-week Aikido Beginner Program

Discover Aikido at Lakeshore Aikido Club in Evanston

Registration Deadline: Monday, June 29 | Program Fee: $150

Ages 16 and up

Looking for a meaningful activity that reduces stress, improves balance, and helps you build confidence while joining a supportive community?

Join our six-week Summer Beginner Program and discover Evanston's community for mindful movement, non-violent self-defense, and healthy aging.

The Lakeshore Aikido Club warmly welcomes adults and teens (16+) to explore this unique Japanese martial art in a friendly and inclusive environment in the heart of Evanston.

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art built upon the principle of harmonizing rather than opposing. Instead of meeting force with force, practitioners learn to redirect energy, remain calm under pressure, and resolve conflict without unnecessary aggression. The goal is not to harm, but to neutralize and de-escalate.

Training combines dynamic movement with mindfulness and develops physical and mental resilience. Through regular practice, students improve balance, flexibility, coordination, posture, and situational awareness while learning practical principles of non-violent self-defense.

Unlike competitive sports, Aikido has no tournaments and no winners or losers. Students work cooperatively with partners in a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.

During this six-week program, you will learn:

• Body conditioning, stretching, and Aikido warm-up exercises (aiki taisō)
• Safe falling and rolling techniques (ukemi)
• Fundamental principles of martial arts
• The foundations of non-violent self-defense
• Aikido values, etiquette, and philosophy
• Silent meditation (mokuso) and mindfulness practices
• Basic movement, posture, and footwork (kamae and taisabaki)
• Fundamental Aikido techniques (kihon waza)

No previous experience is necessary.

An Aikido uniform (gi) is not required for this introductory program, although it is strongly recommended. Information on how to purchase a uniform will be provided. Participants who already own a martial arts uniform are welcome to wear it.

Enrollment is Limited

To ensure personalized instruction and maintain a supportive learning environment, class size is intentionally kept small. We encourage early registration, as spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions or Registration

Please contact us at:

aterrone@lakeshoreaikidoclub.com

Lakeshore Aikido Club – Evanston, Illinois

Build a stronger body, a calmer mind, and a deeper sense of connection through the practice of Aikido.