aikido
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba. It is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint locking, striking, and pinning.
In addition, there is training in jo (short staff), bokken (wooden sword), and tanto (knife).
Beginning with training in proper rolling and falling, the students develop focus, awareness, balance, and endurance while on the path of personal development.
Soseikan Dojo, located at A Center for the Martial Arts, offers training in Aikido for all ages: children’s classes, teens & adults, as well as a program of fitness and Aikido for senior citizens.
Instructor Roberto (Bob) Garza began his Martial Arts training in 1977 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. While in the USMC, he studied Hwa Rang Do, which was at the time the only place to study this art outside of Korea. It was during his years of service when he was introduced to Aikido.
In 1990, he joined the Aikido Association of America and was instructed by Shihan Fumio Toyoda and his various instructors. While a part of the Kenshusei program, several black belts left Soshinkan Dojo. Garza Sensei left the Kenshusei program to take over the kids program at Soshinkan Dojo while he was 2nd Kyu. He has continued teaching children’s classes ever since. Many of Sensei’s kids have grown up in the dojo and have gone onto college and also into the military. Some have called the Dojo from Afghanistan and Iraq to thank sensei for his leadership, teachings but most of all his friendship.
During his years as an Aikido instructor, he was introduced to Japanese Swordsmanship by Toyoda Shihan. Garza Sensei, along with Aikido, is a practitioner of Iaido and reached the Nidan level in Mugai Ryu Iai.
Garza Sensei has also practiced some Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, and Aikido Toho Iaido as well as some other forms.
Garza Sensei is the director of the Sosei Aikido Kyokai. The Sosei Aikido Kyokai offers a venue for self-governed and independent dojos to network, to provide quality Aikido and promote the highest level of integrity among its member schools and students. The organization assists in the growth of its members by sharing of instruction, assisting on exam days, promoting member schools’ events, but most of all to continue Shihan Fumio Toyoda’s dream of spreading Aikido. Sosei Aikido Kyokai is a “Not for Profit” Organization who accepts donations to assist needy families attain training in various arts available at A Center for the Martial Arts - Soseikan Dojo.
Along with Aikido, the Sosei Aikido Kyokai supports it’s own Iaido Study Group. Iaido is the practice of Japanese Swordsmanship. The study group’s main focus is on Mugai Ryu Iai.
Owner of A Center for the Martial Arts - Soseikan Dojo
11425 S. Harlem Ave., Worth , IL. 60482 708-448- AIKI (2454)
Aikido - Dojo Cho / Chief Instructor
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) certified through Hombu Dojo
President of Martial Arts Inc of Oak Lawn
President of A Center for the Martial Arts Inc
Director of Sosei Aikido Kyokai
History:
Former Dojo Cho / Chief Instructor of Soshinkan Dojo
Former member of Aikido Association of America
Former member of Midwest Testing Committee, Aikido Association of America
Former member of National Teaching Committee, Aikido Association of America
Past President of Black Belt Hakamakai Organization, Aikido Association of America
AIKIDO
Tuesday:
Kids: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Adults: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Open Mat: 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday:
Adults: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Adults: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday:
Kids: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Adults: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Adults: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Adults / Family Aikido: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Adults: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday:
Adults: 10:00 am -11:00 am
Adults: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
IAIDO
Tuesday: 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Open Mat: 9:30 am - 10:00 am
