About Kendo
About The Choyokan Kendo Dojo
Dojo Locations
Dojo Events
Beginners Are Welcome
Sato Sensei's Memo
Kendo, the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, is more of a self-discipline rather than a self-defense. Its practices are vigorous and demanding; the art is challenging and fun to learn. If you are a person seeking a "way" to self development, and not merely trophies, Kendo training may be for you.
Maeda Sensei
ABOUT THE CHOYOKAN KENDO DOJO
The Choyokan Kendo Dojo was established in 1979 and is a nonprofit organization registered with the State of Illinois. It is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and affiliated with the All United States Kendo Federation and the International Kendo Federation. Founded by Miyazaki, Yutaka, Sensei, the Dojo has slowly grown due largely to the efforts of Miyazaki Sensei and a core group of students. The Dojo is now fortunate to have several new visiting Sensei from Japan.
Miyazaki Sensei
The Dojo is now lead by the Chief Instructor Maeda, Sachio, Sensei (7th Dan). Other instructors are Sakamoto Sensei (6th Dan), Hori Sensei (6th Dan), Umeki Sensei (5th Dan), Tsuyuguchi sensei (5th Dan), Kobayashi Sensei (5th Dan), Hotta Sensei (5th Dan), and Tizzard Sensei (5th Dan). All instructors volunteer their time.
DOJO LOCATIONS
North Side Choyokan Kendo Dojo
The North Side Choyokan Kendo Dojo meets on Wednesdays and Fridays (8 p.m.) at:
Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist ChurchThere will be no class on these Fridays in 2011:
4511 N Hermitage
Chicago, IL
Jan 21
Feb 18
Mar 18
Apr 15
May 20
Jun 17
Jul 15
Aug 19
Sept 16
Oct 21
Nov 18
Nov 25
Dec 16
On Sundays class is held at noon here:
UIC Sports and Fitness CenterA four-week introductory course is required before joining regular classes. For additional information, please contact Sakamoto Sensei.
828 S. Wolcott Avenue
(South of Polk near Damen)
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines Choyokan Kendo Dojo
The Des Plaines Choyokan Kendo Dojo practices on Saturdays from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dee Park Recreation Center
Golf Maine Park District
9229 Emerson
Des Plaines, IL
Beginners class at the Des Plaines dojo usually takes 9 - 12 months.
For additional information, please contact Sakamoto Sensei.
DOJO EVENTS
The Dojo participates in various tournaments, demonstrations and other special events throughout the year. Tournaments are hosted by the Midwest Kendo Federation, the All US Kendo Federation, and other regional federations. The Dojo's anniversary is celebrated every year with a special Thanksgiving Day morning practice. The Dojo also holds joint practices with the Chicago Kendo Dojo throughout the year.
BEGINNERS ARE WELCOME
Beginners are welcome at the North Side location. Please contact Sakamoto Sensei for details about enrollment and starting dates.
Beginners are welcome at the Des Plaines location. Beginning classes in Des Plaine are held once or twice a year, depending on the space available. To get on our mailing notification for our next class, please contact Sakamoto Sensei for details about enrollment and starting dates.
Kikuchi Sensei
We encourage you to visit several of our practices either at the North Side or the Des Plaines location BEFORE beginning any classes. No equipment is necessary to start, but a shinai, or bamboo sword, will need to be purchased after the first class. We also advise you to research Kendo through available books and other internet sites so that you know something about Kendo before starting. Since all of our instructors are dedicated to Kendo and volunteer their time, we prefer that you be prepared to make a commitment to study Kendo and not take it on a "trial" basis.
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