Please join us Saturday, June 20 for Aikido & Iaido with Lisa Tomoleoni Shihan a one-day seminar and yudansha examination at Great Lakes Aikido as we host Lisa Tomoleoni Shihan, Director of Aikido Shimbokukai.
NOTE: While they are separate events, this is the same weekend and location as the Aikido Shimbokukai 2026 Midwest Future Leaders Seminar (In Person & Virtual) — Aikido Shimbokukai. We hope to see you at both!
Tomoleoni Shihan will lead classes in Aikidoand an introductory class in Iaido (a traditional Japanese sword art that refines timing, awareness, and combative intent through solo practice of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing the weapon).
Participants are asked to bring a bokken, preferably with tsuba and saya, if they have these. Also note that golf club tubes are an excellent substitute for a saya.
At the conclusion of the seminar, Tomoleoni Shihan will administer Aikido yudansha examinations (blackbelt promotion tests). After training and examinations, we will go to a local restaurant for food, fellowship, and to celebrate the success of those testing.
Training schedule
- 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Aikido
- 11:00 – Noon: Introduction to Iaido
- Noon – 2:00 PM: Lunch break (many options in the area)
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Aikido
- 3:00 – 4:30 PM: Yudansha Examinations (blackbelt promotion testing by prior arrangement)
Location
Great Lakes Aikido
(in the Cohen Brothers Judo & Wrestling facility)
158 N Fairway Drive
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
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Registration and Payment
Please register for each event separately:
- Sunday, June 21: Aikido Shimbokukai 2026 Midwest Future Leaders Seminar (In Person & Virtual)
- Saturday, June 20: Aikido & Iaido with Tomoleoni Shihan