A Visit to the Midwest Aikido Center

Summer, 1992

Mark J. Norton

While on a business trip to Chicago (SigGraph '92), I had an opportunity to visit the Midwest Aikido Center, led by Akira Tohei. To my disappointment, Tohei sensei and most of his senior students were away at the Midwest Aikido Summer Camp (with Waka Sensei as guest instructor).

The dojo there is quite beautiful. A large open space with canvas covered tatami mats, fine woodwork, scrolls, etc. All was neat and clean. Mr. Tohei's reputation for formality and manners did not prepare me for the reception I got in class. After the initial demonstration, all four of the yudansha students present turned away to practice with someone else, leaving me (a visitor!) to work with a student who started Aikido the previous week. I have no problems with working with beginners, but I consider it rude to be ignored like that (the instructor later appologized). After a few techniques, the instructor (his name was Michael) called for a partner switch and I worked out the rest the class with an Ikkyu student (Victor?). So, in the end, I got the workout I was looking for.

I invited Michael out to dinner with me afterwards and we went to a local Japanese restaurant. We had a pleasant discussion of Aikido style, Tohei Sensei, and other things. Perhaps another time, I can meet Mr. Tohei and experience his teaching first hand.