Kogetsukai Instructors in Chicago
Dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of Japanese martial arts through authentic lineage, disciplined practice, and thoughtful instruction.
Our instructors teach collaboratively, drawing on decades of experience in iaido, jodo, kenjutsu, koryū, and related disciplines. Together, we strive to cultivate technical excellence, lifelong learning, and personal growth in a welcoming community.
LEAD INSTRUCTORS
LEAD INSTRUCTORS
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS
IN MEMORIAM
Adrian Ciota
Honored Instructor
Adrian Ciota
Honored Instructor
In grateful remembrance of Adrian Ciota, whose friendship, dedication, and commitment helped shape Kogetsukai during its early years. His spirit continues to inspire our community.
Click an instructor to read more about their
background and training.
Laurence Kogetsu Daiji Smith 
has trained in traditional Japanese martial arts for over two decades. He began his study of Japanese sword arts in 2006 in Meishi-ha Mugai-ryū Iai Hyōdō under Brian Pettett Sensei and was later awarded Godan (5th degree) by Tony Alvarez Sensei. He also received Okuri-shō from Niina Toyoaki Gōsōke of Meishi-ha Mugai-ryū. He also practices Genkō Nitō-ryū, furthering his study of Japanese swordsmanship through its two-sword tradition.
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Laurence has practiced Hōjō no Kata, the four seasonal forms of Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū, since 2010. His study of Hōjō is closely connected with his Zen practice at Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple, where he received Jukai and continues his study and practice of Rinzai Zen.
In 2010, Laurence began training in Naginata under Takami Tanner Sensei, studying Atarashii Naginata and Bitōkukai Tendō-ryū Naginatajutsu. He holds Nidan (2nd degree) in Atarashii Naginata through the United States Naginata Federation (USNF).
In 2016, Laurence became a student of Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryū Kenkyūkai, studying Shintō Musō-ryū Jōdō. He holds Sandan (3rd degree) in Seitei Jōdō through the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).
Beyond budō, Laurence studies Ohara-ryū Ikebana under Margaret Wang Sensei and holds an Instructor Certificate from the Ohara School of Ikebana. He is also a member of the North American Ohara Teachers Association (NAOTA).
Laurence is the Founder and President of Kogetsukai, NFP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional Japanese martial arts and culture.
Sean Gill 
began his martial arts training at the age of eight. Over the years, he has studied Shōrin-ryū Karate, Kendō, Mugai-ryū Iaido, Seitei Jōdō, Shintō Musō-ryū Jōdō, and Atarashii Naginata.
began his martial arts training at the age of eight. Over the years, he has studied Shōrin-ryū Karate, Kendō, Mugai-ryū Iaido, Seitei Jōdō, Shintō Musō-ryū Jōdō, and Atarashii Naginata.
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In 2020, Sean was accepted as a student of Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryū Kenkyūkai to train in Shintō Musō-ryū. He holds Nidan (2nd degree) in Seitei Jōdō through the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).
Sean’s approach to martial arts is grounded in the pursuit of becoming a better learner and helping others along their own paths of development. He believes that learning how to learn—and remaining humble and receptive to correction—are among the most important and transferable skills developed through long-term martial arts practice. As an instructor, his focus is on student-driven development and helping each practitioner progress through thoughtful, committed training.
Outside the dojo, Sean enjoys Olympic Recurve Archery and has competed internationally as an archer. He also aspires to study Kyūdō.
Sean serves as Treasurer of Kogetsukai, NFP, supporting the organization both as an instructor and through its nonprofit leadership.
Rob Dillon is a 50-year (and counting) veteran of martial arts practice and teaching with an impressive record of authorship in academic journals and popular martial arts publications. For the past 30-odd years Rob’s focus has been the swordspersonship of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu.
is a 50-year (and counting) veteran of martial arts practice and teaching with an impressive record of authorship in academic journals and popular martial arts publications. For the past 30-odd years Rob’s focus has been the swordspersonship of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu.
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Rob holds the Sugawara Sogo Budo International mokuroku certification in Sugawara-ha Katori technique which he earned under the direct guidance of Patrick Nichols, Mark Jones, and Sugawara Tetsutaka.
Rob Dillon is Professor Emeritus, Southeast Missouri State University, where he co-founded the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts and the Department of Theatre and Dance; during his 25 years at Southeast Rob taught acting, stage combat, and theatre history and directed 60 full-scale theatre productions. Rob also boasts a respectable list of credits as an actor and fight director in both college and professional settings.
Antonin Lelievre’s martial arts journey began in Kendo, where he developed a strong foundation in footwork, timing, and swordsmanship. In 2020, he joined Kogetsukai and began studying Seitei Iaido, applying those fundamentals to the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword.
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Antonin values training that is both enjoyable and disciplined, believing that consistent practice, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are essential to long-term growth. In addition to Iaido, he is a dedicated practitioner of Kyudo and maintains a regular Zen meditation practice.
Outside the dojo, Antonin enjoys an active lifestyle and can often be found cycling throughout the city, swimming, training at the gym, or relaxing at home with a good video game.
Antonin also serves as a Board Member of Kogetsukai, NFP, contributing to the organization’s leadership and continued development.
Iustitia Ko (she/her) is a student of the practice and philosophy of kinetic application. Her main focus of study is currently the weapons arts, particularly the tradition of Japanese swordwork.
(she/her) is a student of the practice and philosophy of kinetic application. Her main focus of study is currently the weapons arts, particularly the tradition of Japanese swordwork.
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She also has had prior experiences with boxing, modern sport fencing, longsword and rapier fencing, jodo, atarashii naginata, and Balintawak escrima, with hopes to continue deepening and broadening her martial knowledge.
Recreationally, she enjoys reading fiction, writing, listening to music, and arts & crafts.
Iustitia also serves as Secretary of Kogetsukai, NFP, supporting the organization as both an instructor and member of its nonprofit leadership.
Adrian Cioata — Honored Instructor
Adrian began studying martial arts at the age of ten. His early training in Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and other disciplines led him to competition, championships, and a lifelong dedication to teaching and training.
Adrian began studying martial arts at the age of ten. His early training in Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and other disciplines led him to competition, championships, and a lifelong dedication to teaching and training.
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His love for Japanese culture and traditional arts guided him to budō. Beginning with Mugai-ryū Iaidō, Adrian continued his studies in Jōdō, Iaidō, and Naginata, pursuing both classical and modern Japanese martial traditions.
He was awarded Shodan in Seitei Jōdō by the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).
Adrian played an important role in building and strengthening the early Kogetsukai training program, offering steady guidance and sincere encouragement to those around him. His dedication, kindness, and commitment to practice remain woven into the spirit of our community.