The Aikido Resolutions Foundation
In Partnership With
The Aikido International Foundation

PRESENT

FREE AIKIDO CLASSES!

My name is Tim Spies. I am the founder of the Aikido Resolutions Foundation, chief instructor of Ryoshinkan Aikido Dojo in Arlington heights, and Ishinkan Aikido Dojo in Libertyville, as well as the Chicago Area Regional Director for the Aikido Association of America.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that is non-combative in nature. In essence we seek to restore harmony in the midst of physical, emotional or even medical chaos. To do this, we learn to blend with our attackers' energy and re-direct that energy in a manner that preserves not only ourselves but that of our attacker where possible. This is why the founder of Aikido called it the “Art of Peace”. While we train on the mat physically with this philosophy in mind, we can also apply this concept to every aspect of our daily lives as we navigate the many conflicts we encounter.

Our dojo has been closed to indoors classes since March 16th 2020 due to the pandemic. It has been a rough ride to say the least. I greatly miss the time with my students on the mat. In June I decided to hold outdoors classes and we have been training 3 days per week since that time in the parking lot of the dojo. It is now almost mid-February and we are still going strong, thanks to the mild winter.

The pandemic has brought us all new challenges to endure…business struggles, job loss, working from home, social isolation, kids at home, no vacations, and seemingly non-stop computer time, just to name a few. And this, at a time when our country is the most divided it has ever been. We are stressed to the max and need a break! I share many of those problems and my training in Aikido has helped me to stay calm and relaxed in order that I can continue to move forward when and where I am able. But like many hardships in life, the pandemic has also provided me a unique opportunity to reflect a bit.

Recently, I was watching Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports interview Aaron Rodgers quarterback of the Greenbay Packers. Mr. Portnoy has started the Barstool Fund to help small businesses financially navigate the pandemic and Mr. Rodgers was jumping on board to donate. The two of them talked about the plight of American small businesses. Being a small business owner myself, I could relate to the stories I heard. As a Bear fan Rodgers has broken my heart more times that I care to admit but this time he found a string to pull on and I was inspired to help. I made a small donation to the Barstool Fund but that is only the beginning…

Starting April 1st (this is no joke) The Aikido Resolutions Foundation in partnership with the Aikido International Foundation will offer free Aikido training for an entire year at Ryoshinkan Aikido Dojo! Any teenager or adult is eligible for this offer. I only ask 2 things of you: first, to get the most out of your training, consider coming to class at least 2 out of the 3 days we offer classes. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. and Saturdays feom 10:00–11:00 a.m. Second, I ask that you write a 1 page essay describing why you want to train with us and what you hope to gain out of your training. Later on in the year I will ask that you write another essay describing what you have learned. These essays are not for selection purposes but for both of us to gauge your progress.

In our classes we will explore the beautiful philosophy that Aikido has to offer through training with the wooden staff (jo), wooden sword (bokken), meditation, breathing exercises and as the CDC guidelines permit, hand to hand training. We expect to have full use of our mat area by April 1st but you never know. In the meantime we will practice in our parking lot as weather permits.

Why am I doing this? For several reasons…first, I strongly believe that Aikido can have a profound impact on one’s life for the better and I want the world to see this for themselves. Secondly, my study of Aikido has literally changed my life and provided me with countless friends around the world and this is a great way to give back to my community. Thirdly, as I mentioned earlier Aikido has been called “The Art of Peace” and right now our world needs that more than ever. Finally…because it is part of my training. If you want to know what that means…you will need to come to class.

If you need a break from the stress of the pandemic come play with us! If you are a teenager and older, you need this in your life! Opportunities like these do not come often so please take advantage of this great offer. Come alone, bring a friend, or bring your entire family…we all need to re-group and I will provide you with some skills to expedite that process. I can be reached at 847-217-6280, on facebook Aikido Resolutions Foundation or our website www.aikidoresolutions.com

Tim Spies