U of C Aikido Club
Instructional Program
The mission of the University of Chicago Aikido
Club is to provide the highest possible quality of
aikido instruction in a safe and supportive
environment.
The instructional staff currently consists of four members
of the University community who are yudanshas (black belts)
and occasional guest instructors. The Club also sponsors
seminars with outstanding aikido instructors from many
parts of the country.
Regular instructors
- Donald Levine, Head Instructor
- Internationally certified rank: sandan (3rd-degree black belt)
25 years training in aikido, black belt since 1988
2 years training in related arts (kali-eskrima, tai chi, yoga)
Taught aikido classes at universities in Atlanta, Bielefeld, Kyoto,
Stanford, and Utah, and at dojos in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
Founder and president,
Aiki Extensions, Inc.
Trained with U of C club from 1979; faculty advisor since 1982
- Marsha Turner, Assistant Instructor
- Internationally certified rank: yondan (4th-degree black belt)
19 years training in aikido, black belt since 1988
Iaido rank: shodan
Instructor, Chicago Aikikai
Student at U of C Club in mid-1980s; substitute instructor since 1995
- Dwight E. Sora, Assistant Instructor
- Internationally certified rank: shodan (1st-degree black belt)
11 years training in aikido; black belt since 1999
4 years training in related arts (judo, iaido, tai chi)
Trained with U of C Club (1994–95); substitute instructor, 2001–03
Substitute instructors
Tod Olson
Internationally certified rank: nidan (2nd-degree black belt)
13 years training in aikido, black belt since 1993
4 years training in related arts (tai chi); 2 years teaching at Chicago Aikikai
Trained with U of C Club from 1986; instructor 6 years; dep. head instructor 2001–02
