Kevin Choate

Kevin Choate Sensei has thirty years of Aikido experience. He began training in 1976 with Shigeru Suzuki Sensei, where he learned the fundamentals of vigorous training and rarely missed a class. He became chief instructor at Chicago Aikikai in 1981 and has earned a reputation for high-quality instruction, always demanding the best from his students as well as himself in his own personal training. Choate Sensei has trained thousands of Aikido students in the Chicago area, including classes for senior citizens, youth, actors, and dancers.

In 1998, Mitsugi Saotome Shihan awarded Choate Sensei his 6th degree black belt as recognition of his skill and dedication to Aikido. Today, Choate Sensei continues to train as a student of Saotome Shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan. Choate Sensei teaches as a senior instructor for Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and travels frequently to conduct Aikido seminars across the country and overseas.

Choate Sensei is also a Certified Instructor in Training of the Russian Martial Art Systema.

"The way of harmony" - Aikido is a weapont less system designied solely for self-defence

Force is never opposed by force. By means of cicular movement an attacker's force is diverted and turned back upon him. In subjecting our bodies to the precise discipline of Aikido we may eventually influence our minds for the good: creating an inner calm and balance that may be carried into our daily lives, helping us to become better and more effective people.