In addition to Zen training, we host related transformative practices from a variety of highly qualified teachers.
We are a growing community and are always happy to share our space with like-minded instructors. If you feel that you offer a practice that is in alignment with our Mission, please contact us at daiyuzenji@gmail.com for more information.
KOGETSUKAI
Japanese weapons arts are offered by KogetsuKai (“Kogetsu” means “moon lake” referring to the moon shining over Lake Michigan and “kai” means “society”), the only dojo in the Chicagoland area to train in several Japanese martial arts: (Zen Ken Ren (Seitei) Iaido and Jodo, Shinto Muso-ryu, Atarashii Naginata, Tendo-ryu Naginatajutsu and Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo.
We believe in training with the six virtues of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, sincerity, and bravery.
Jodo, Naginata, Iaido, and Kenjutsu can be enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest grade–schooler to the oldest senior citizen. The benefits derived from training affect many aspects of a person’s everyday life. These include:
Speed and agility
Precision and timing
Self-confidence
Comradeship
Harmony of mind and body
Kogetsukai teachers are volunteers and offer classes for all experience levels, from novice to advanced trainees. Kogetsukai donates 100% of all its proceeds to Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple.
Instructors: Laurence Smith, Sean Anthony, and Miguel Martinez.
To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com
JODO
We train in the art of Jodo, “the way of the wooden staff”.
The Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei Jodo system contains twelve staff forms (kata) against a swordsman using a bokuto (wooden sword).
As a student develops, they can move into the koryu (classical style) techniques of the Shinto Muso-ryu tradition. Which includes the 64 kata as well as the Fuzoku Ryuha (Assimilated Schools), Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu, Ikkaku-ryu Juttejutsu, Uchida-ryu Tanjōjutsu and Kasumi Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.
Sundays 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Thursdays 9:30 – 10:15 pm
Suggested donation $30/ month
To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com
IAIDO & Kenjutsu
We train in the art of drawing and training with the Japanese sword.
The Zen Ken Ren Iai are twelve kata drawn from several major sword schools, including Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu and Mugai-ryu. Iaido emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.
Kenjutsu, swordsmanship consists of many different aspects, including formal techniques, practical techniques, and conditioning drills. The classical (koryu) schools of kenjutsu we practice are Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo and Kasumi Shinto-ryu.
Sundays 3:45 – 5:15 pm
Thursdays 8:30 – 9:30 pm
Suggested donation $30/month
To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com
NAginata
We train in the art of the naginata, traditionally a pole arm that has a Japanese sword blade mounted on a long handle.
One of the styles we practice is the modern (gendai) form called Atarashii Naginata “new Naginata”. It employs the use of a bamboo and oak naginata for practice & competition. Majority of training is dedicated to Engi (forms) and shiai (matches) wearing armor (bogu).
The second school is the classical (koryu) art of Tendo-ryu naginatajutsu. Tendo-ryu the “School of the Way to Heaven” dates back to the late 1500s.
Sundays 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Thursdays 10:15 – 11:00 pm
Suggested donation $30/month
To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com
Aikido Kenshin DojO
Founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is a potent distillation of centuries of martial knowledge, transmitting the most noble teachings of Japan's samurai tradition. The guiding principles make it more than just a set of techniques for combat or self-defense. Aikido is a martial art that trains to integrate the mind and body, serving as a transformative practice for deep personal development. The art's philosophy seeks to avoid harming others whenever possible.
The training emphasizes decisive techniques of defense (throws, joint-locks, strikes, and immobilizations) as well as the use of, and defense against, weapons (long sword, staff, and knife). Practice is conducted primarily through kata (pre-arranged series of movements), performed cooperatively by two practitioners who switch roles in receiving and performing the technique. A variety of other exercises are used to build awareness, correct posture and movement, and fitness. The mechanics of Aikido are based on refined, unforced movements using the entire body, which allow Aikido to be practiced safely and successfully by all, regardless of age, size, or strength. This class is available to all Daiyuzenji members.
Instructor: Seion Vandever, 2nd Dan
Suggested Donation: $15/per class or $50/per month
Schedule: Mondays 6 - 7:30 PM and Wednesdays 7 - 9:00 PM
To participate, email: aikidokenshindojo@gmail.com