Forged in Discipline.
Inspired by Adventure.
Training mind, body, and heart through the martial way.
Forged in Discipline.
Inspired by Adventure.
Training mind, body, and heart through the martial way.
Rising Moon Warriors blends the discipline of traditional Japanese martial arts with the mindfulness of Zen practice.
Children ages 4–14 build strength, confidence, and focus through Kenjutsu, Seitei Iaido, and Seitei Jodo. Our age-specific classes provide the right balance of guidance, discipline, and encouragement, helping each child develop both body and mind.
Rising Moon Warriors is the youth program of Kogetsukai, NFP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese martial arts and supporting community growth.
Benefits of Training
These include:
- ⚔️ Confidence & self-discipline
- 🧘 Calm focus & emotional balance
- 🤝 Friendship & community
- 💪 Strength, balance & agility
- 🎯 Sharper attention in school & daily life
- 🌱 Inner peace & resilience
- 🧩 Harmony of mind & body
Disciplines We Share
Children explore several traditional Japanese martial arts in a safe
and age-appropriate way:
Iaido
The art of drawing and sheathing the sword with mindfulness
Kenjutsu
The way of the sword: movement,
posture, and discipline
Jodo
Staff training that builds timing, distance, and control
Meditation
Breathing, awareness, and inner calm
Iaido
The art of drawing and sheathing the sword with mindfulness
Kenjutsu
The way of the sword: movement,
posture, and discipline
Jodo
Staff training that builds timing,
distance, and control
Meditation
Breathing, awareness, and inner calm
Four Pillars of Swordsmanship
Our training follows four guiding principles:
Technique
- Stances
- Footwork
- Swinging angles
Fitness
- Running
- Striking
- Distances
Kata
- Forms
- Theory
- Discipline
Meditation
- Mindfullness
- Focus
- Calm
Four Pillars of Swordsmanship
Our training follows four guiding principles:
Technique
- Stances
- Footwork
- Swinging angles
Fitness
- Running
- Striking
- Distances
Kata
- Forms
- Theory
- Discipline
Meditation
- Mindfullness
- Focus
- Calm
Four Pillars of Swordsmanship
Our training follows four guiding principles:
Technique
- Stances
- Footwork
- Swinging angles
Fitness
- Running
- Striking
- Distances
Kata
- Forms
- Theory
- Discipline
Meditation
- Mindfullness
- Focus
- Calm
Class Schedule & Ages
Saturdays at Daiyuzenji
Zen Temple
10:00 – 10:55 am
Young Warriors (ages 4–9)
10:55 – 12:00 pm
Advanced Young Warriors &
Pre-Teens (ages 10–14)
Frequently Asked Questions
Our program welcomes children ages 4–14, with groups for ages 4–9 and ages 10–14. Contact us to confirm the appropriate group for your child.
No previous martial arts experience is required. Children are introduced to foundational skills through age-appropriate instruction and encouraged to progress at their own pace.
Classes introduce movements from kenjutsu, jodo, and iaido while developing coordination, balance, focus, and respectful conduct. Short breathing or quiet-sitting exercises may also be included.
Children are introduced to sword and staff movements using age-appropriate training tools. Instruction emphasizes safety, control, and respect for others.
Our supportive approach combines structure, positive reinforcement, and opportunities to build confidence and focus. A free introductory class can help you and the instructor assess whether the program is a good fit for your child.
Please contact us before your child’s first visit to confirm our observation and parent-attendance arrangements.
Use the sign-up form on the Rising Moon Warriors page or call (312) 869-4855 to arrange a free introductory class. Tell us your child’s age, and we will confirm the class and what to bring.
Our Gallery
From dynamic sword techniques to serene Zen practice, watch our rising warriors grow and thrive on their martial arts journey!
Beyond the Dojo
Continue the journey at home with calming sleep music, focus-friendly study music, and playful movement games inspired by the spirit of Rising Moon Warriors.
Sign Up
Support Rising Moon Warriors
Some families and community members choose to support Rising Moon Warriors by providing equipment and supplies used in our youth classes. Our Amazon Wish List includes training tools, organizational supplies, and items that help us care for the dojo space—each one contributing directly to a safe, meaningful training environment for young students.
Your gift helps provide:
- practice weapons and foundational training tools
- organization and storage solutions for shared equipment
- supplies that help us maintain a clean, welcoming dojo
Every item is shipped directly to us and used in regular class sessions.
We are grateful for your support in whatever way feels meaningful to you.
