Jul 2 | 6-week Aikido Beginner Program
The Lakeshore Aikido Club in Evanston has opened registration for its six-week Summer Beginner Program, with an enrollment deadline of Monday, June 29. The program, which requires a $150 fee, is open to adults and teens aged 16 and older who wish to study the principles of the Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Did You Know? Unlike many traditional competitive sports, Aikido does not utilize tournaments, winners, or losers, focusing instead on cooperative partner training and personal growth.
What participants learn in the program
The curriculum is designed for students with no prior martial arts experience. According to the Lakeshore Aikido Club, the six-week course covers foundational physical and mental techniques, including aiki taisō (warm-up exercises) and ukemi (safe falling and rolling). Students will also practice kamae and taisabaki, which refer to basic posture and footwork, alongside kihon waza, or fundamental techniques.
Beyond physical movement, the program incorporates the philosophy and etiquette of the discipline. This includes silent meditation, known as mokuso, and the study of non-violent self-defense principles. The club states that the goal of these practices is to teach students how to neutralize and de-escalate conflict by redirecting energy rather than meeting force with force.
Program logistics and enrollment
Because the club aims to provide personalized instruction, class sizes are kept small. Registration is currently being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective students can contact the club at [email protected] to secure a spot before the June 29 deadline.
While an official Aikido uniform, or gi, is strongly recommended for the duration of the course, it is not required for the introductory program. The club provides information on purchasing uniforms for those interested, though participants who already own martial arts gear are permitted to use it.
Expert Insight: The role of non-violent martial arts
Expert Insight: The emphasis on “harmonizing rather than opposing” reflects a shift away from traditional combat-focused training toward long-term physical and mental conditioning. For adult and teen participants, this approach suggests a focus on sustainable health—often referred to as healthy aging—and the development of situational awareness that can be applied to daily life outside the training hall.
What could happen next
Given the limited class sizes and the June 29 registration cutoff, it is likely that the program will reach capacity prior to the start date. If the summer session experiences high demand, the club may consider scheduling additional introductory cohorts later in the year to accommodate interest in the Evanston community. Participants who complete the six-week course may then be eligible to transition into the club’s ongoing practice sessions, which emphasize continued development of flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No, the program is designed for beginners and no previous experience is necessary.
What is the age requirement for the Summer Beginner Program?
The program is open to adults and teens who are 16 years of age or older.
Is an Aikido uniform required?
An Aikido uniform (gi) is not required for the introductory program, although it is strongly recommended. Information on how to purchase one will be provided by the club.
Are you looking for a way to build physical resilience while learning self-defense techniques in a non-competitive environment?