The Kenosha Aikikai is a United States Aikido Federation (USAF) dojo, in the Kenosha and Racine county area, where the Aikikai style of the traditional martial art of Aikido is practiced. We offer three adult classes each week. Classes start at the beginning of each month.

Visitors are always welcome to observe or participate in any of the classes we offer.

If you are looking to begin training in the martial arts in Northeast Illinois or Southeast Wisconsin, visit us to learn more about Aikido.

Ask us about our Free Introductory Class for new students. If you have further questions, please contact us by e-mail.

Meet a Dojo Member: Justin Zelinski

When and how did you start Aikido?:
I got started in Aikido around 2001 in a small dojo that I don’t believe exists anymore. My interest in the art developed in a number of ways. I had always had a childhood dream of being a martial artist or, more specifically, a ninja (too bad I had to give that one up, haha!). In my early twenties I also developed an interest in Buddhism and meditation. I was researching Martial Arts and came across a martial art called Aikido that was a blend of these.  It had described a Master who had claimed to have reached enlightenment through his study of this Martial Art, emphasizing a deep spiritual background. This Master I now know as O’ Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba). I then started to research more and finally located a class around the area I lived and have been hooked ever since.

What made you stay?:
I have come and gone since my introduction to the art; chalk it up to life circumstances. Every time I leave it feels as if there is a void or a sense of incompletion.  I had a life-changing event a few years ago and had come to the realization that Aikido and I weren’t done.  I think I have always come back to fulfill that childhood dream of being a martial arts Master.  The more I practice, the more I realize how elusive that title of Master is to achieve. It’s that challenge and dedication to that goal that is so satisfying when things click, knowing I am always working to better myself as a martial artist and a person as a whole.

What do you like about Aikido?:
As you practice and better yourself through the art, you are forced to look inward. Why does my technique not work here? What is he doing that makes his technique more effective than mine? Simple questions like these can invoke many realizations. Often you might realize you are trying to insert yourself too strongly into the equation and you need to let go of the Ego. You and your partner are not in harmony; you may need to let go of your differences and open your heart to accept him. It is during these times that Aikido is very enlightening to me and in a sense spiritual. These lessons can then be carried over to my daily life and often be applied there. Aikido makes me more relaxed and able to handle the opposition in my life.

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