“The way should be like the untouchable moon that is clearly seen reflected by the water.”
– Toga Jikkyo Kan Morimasa
Kogetsukai is a Chicagoland not-for-profit organization offering authentic training in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Iaido, Jodo, and Kenjutsu. We focus on skill, discipline, mindfulness, and personal growth. Our name, “Kogetsu,” comes from the moon shining over Lake Michigan—Moon Lake (湖月).
We offer training for adults and a full children’s program—Rising Moon Warriors—for youth sword and staff arts. Join us to experience martial arts in a supportive, culturally enriching community.
BENEFITS OF TRAINING
We believe in training with the six virtues of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, sincerity, and bravery.
Jodo, Naginata, Iaido and Kenjutsu can be enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest grade–schooler to the oldest mature adult. The benefits derived from training affect many aspects of a persons everyday life.
These include:
- Speed and agility
- Precision and timing
- Self-confidence
- Community and camaraderie
- Self-control and well-being
- Inner peace and calm
- Harmony of mind and body
- Fitness
- Self-discipline and positive attitude
SWORD ARTS
Zen Ken Ren (Seitei Iaido) & Kenjutsu
We train in the art of drawing and training with the Japanese sword.
The Zen Ken Ren Iai are twelve kata drawn from several major sword schools, including Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu and Mugai-ryu. Iaido emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.
Kenjutsu, swordsmanship consists of many different aspects, including formal techniques, practical techniques, and conditioning drills. Unlike iaido, kenjutsu usually focuses more on swordplay after the sword has been drawn. The classical schools of kenjutsu we practice are Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo and Kasumi Shinto-ryu.
Kogetsukai is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation for Zen Ken Ren Iaido. Our training is overseen by Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai.
STAFF ARTS
Seitei Jodo (ZNKR) & Shinto Muso-ryu
We train in the art of Jodo, “the way of the wooden staff”.
The Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei Jodo system contains twelve staff forms (kata) against a swordsman using a bokuto (wooden sword). There are twelve additional basic techniques (kihon) and are taught both individually (tandoku dosa) and in pairs (sotai dosa).
As a student develops, they can move into the koryu (old style) techniques of the Shinto Muso-ryu tradition. Which includes the 64 kata as well as the Fuzoku Ryuha (Assimilated Schools), Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu, Ikkaku-ryu Juttejutsu, Uchida-ryu Tanjōjutsu and Kasumi Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.
Kogetsukai is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation for Seitei Jodo. Our training is overseen by Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai.
CLASS SCHEDULE, COST & LOCATION
START YOUR FREE INTRO CLASS TODAY
ZEN PRACTICE
Kogetsukai gratefully accepts your tax-deductible donations for classes at Daiyuzenji (a not-for-profit organization). 100% of your contribution goes toward the continuing upkeep of Daiyuzenji temple.
DAIYUZENJI CHICAGO RINZAI ZEN TEMPLE
Zazen (seated meditation) & Hojo (sword forms)
Thursdays 7:00 – 7:45 pm (zazen)
Thursdays 7:45 – 8:30 pm (Hojo)
To schedule your free meditation instruction please visit:
Kogetsukai gratefully accepts your tax-deductible donations for classes at Daiyuzenji (a not-for-profit organization). 100% of your contribution goes toward the continuing upkeep of Daiyuzenji temple.
Kogetsukai, NFP is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization (EIN: 33-1612535). Donations support Kogetsukai’s programs and community partnerships, including Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
© 2024, Kogetsukai, NFP — All Rights Reserved. Chicago, Illinois
No goods or services were provided in exchange for contributions unless otherwise noted.