Chief Instructor
Classes at Oak Park Aikikai are taught by Rich Roberts Sensei, 4th dan, Shidoin (Certified Instructor). Roberts Sensei has been fascinated by the martial arts since he was a boy. His first formal training was in Judo at the Uptown Dojo in Chicago. While in high school he read about Aikido and the philosophy and theory of the art immediately intrigued him. In 1967 he saw a demonstration of Aikido given by the Illinois Aikikai featuring Koichi Tohei, the individual responsible for bringing Aikido to the States. However, it wasn't until he was in college at Northern Illinois University that he was finally able to begin his Aikido training.
His first Sensei was Richard Reed, who was affiliated with the Illinois Aikido Club. After leaving NIU he moved to Chicago where he continued his training under Shihan Akira Tohei at the Midwest Aikido Center (MAC). Roberts Sensei received his black belt rank at Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He has been teaching in Oak Park since 1991.
Oak Park Aikikai is affiliated with Birankai North America headed by T. K. Chiba, 8th dan, Shihan
Announcements:
- Visit Birankai North America for a more extensive calendar of seminars.
Google Calendar:
- Click here to view information about class dates, new sessions, events, and other important dates for Oak Park Aikikai members.