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), Okawara Sensei (5th Dan), Hori Sensei (5th Dan), Umeki Sensei (5th Dan), Tsuyuguchi sensei (5th Dan), and Kobayashi 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:
4511 N Hermitage
Chicago, IL
2008
January 25th
February 22nd
March 28th
April 25th
May 23rd
June 20th
July 4th
July 18th
August 22nd
September 19th
October 24th
November 21st
December 12th
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
Beginners class at the Des Plaines dojo usually takes 9 - 12 months.Dee Park Recreation Center
Golf Maine Park District
9229 Emerson
Des Plaines, ILFor additional information, please contact Okawara 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 Okawara 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.
Information | Images | Links | Tournament
Home | Contact