General Information Brochure

What is Aikido? Aikido is a modern Japanese Budo (Martial Way). Kyudo (archery), Kendo (swordsmanship), Bojutsu (staff fighting), Tantojutsu (knife fighting) are some examples of armed Budo. Judo, Karate, and Aikido are examples of unarmed Budo. Properly practiced, all use martial training as a means of building character and integrity.

Where did Aikido come from?

Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). O'Sensei (Great Teacher) was the son of a farmer. He began his Budo training early in life, eventually studying many different forms of both armed and unarmed Budo. At age 42 he learned that the true purpose of Budo is peace and harmony. This led to his creation of what has become modern Aikido.

How is Aikido different than other martial arts?

Self-defense, according to Master Ueshiba's teachings, must always comply with certain ethical imperatives. The major essence of this can be summarized in the following way. In the lowest form of ethical combat a man, without provocation and on his own initiative, attacks another and kills him.

The next higher form has the man invite the attack, either through an insulting remark or gesture. When eventually attacked he responds by killing the one he had provoked. This man is not guilty of an actual attack, but is responsible for inciting the other man. In both cases, however, the results are the same: a person is killed.

In the third level the man neither attacks nor provokes another to attack. When attacked, however, he defends himself in a subjective manner. He takes care of only "number one", and the other man is injured, perhaps seriously. Ethically this is a more defensible action than the previous two. This method of protecting himself from danger, though, results in harm to another.

Aikido seeks to develop in each practitioner the fourth and highest level of ethical self-defense. Neither attacking nor provoking an attack, each person can learn to defend themselves with such skill and control that the attacker is neither killed nor seriously injured. This is the intention of the Budo developed by Master Ueshiba.

What will I learn?

Unfortunately, you will not learn how to do a "karate chop". Aikido teaches that martial arts don't always involve punching and kicking, and that non-violent skills are actually more effective and rewarding. Nor will you learn competition and sparring. The competition is within yourself. It is for developing your own mind-body coordination, self confidence, and practical self-protection skills.

Learning is at an individual pace with neither size nor physical strength a requirement. Persons of all ages and genders practice together in a spirit of cooperation. Aikido is a mental and physical process that is strenuous, but not violent; demanding, but not rough. The philosophy of Aikido is that all people can participate and develop themselves.

How do I begin?

Classes meet several times each week, and new students are accepted at any time. An exact listing of the days, times, and the location of practice is available. All students are encouraged to practice as often as their individual schedules will allow.

Registration for this program is accepted at the beginning of any class session. You must be 14 years of age or older (or have instructor permission). Registration is normally by the month, with special rates for students and families (see the fees page for more information). Visitors are always welcome, and you may participate in up to two classes at no charge. You don't need any special equipment or clothing (a loose-fitting sweat suit with long sleeves is just fine). Just bring yourself and a desire to learn.

Who will I learn from?

Dr. Jeffrey B. Hecht, a Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment (ETRA), has been studying Aikido since 1984. Jeff has earned the rank of Sandan (Third Degree Black Belt), and has taught Aikido for three years in the Martial Arts Program, Physical Education Department, University of California (Riverside) and ten years for the Aikido Club at Illinois State University (Normal, Illinois) prior to relocating to Sycamore.

Hecht Sensei has been teaching Aikido with his wife and Assistant Instructor Dr. Leslie B. Hecht, a Nidan (Second Degree Black Belt). Les has been studying Aikido since 1986, and is an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE) at Northern Illinois University.

The Hecht's first instructor was Ace Atkinson Sensei, who has over 30 years of Aikido training and teaching experience and is the Head Instruction at the University of California at Riverside. Over the years the Hecht's have studied with several wonderful instructors, and had the please of practicing with some talented Aikidoka from all over the world. Jeff and Les Hecht, and the Prairie Aikikai, are affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), led by Shihan Mitsugi Saotome. Membership in the ASU provides Prairie Aikikai students numerous benefits, including: additional practice-related accident/medical and liability insurance, international recognition of rank promotion, and a world-wide network of member dojos, special seminars and camps, and other Aikido students to learn from and practice with!

Occasional special seminars, guest instructors, and field trips to other Dojos (Aikido schools) are also a continuing part of the experiences available. These, and other more social events, allow each student a chance to practice with others from outside our school, and learn from instructors of national recognition.

Feel free to visit and observe any practice! The instructor and students will be happy to talk with you, explain what is going on, and to answer any questions you might have. You can also e-mail us (info@prairieaikikai.com) for any other information you can't get from this web site.