Fox Valley Yoshinkai Aikido

Gilbert James Sensei (1936-2002) started his study of Aikido in 1961 under the guidance of Robert Cramer, a US Navy Lt. Commander who was taught by the late Yukio Noguchi, Yoshinkan 7th dan.

 

Gilbert was one of the founding fathers of the Midwest Yoshinkan Aikido Association in Chicago, IL. This organization was one of the first of it's kind to be recognized by the Yoshinkan Aikido Foundation in Tokyo, Japan.

 

In 1990, the MWAA was given the name Seigokan by the late Gozo Shioda Sensei after joining the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation established by Shioda Sensei.

 

During his many years of training, he achieved black belt ranking in: Jujitsu, 3rd dan; Judo , 2 dan; Kobujitsu, 2nd dan; Karate, 1st dan; Aikido Yoshinkan, 7th dan. 

His teaching career began in 1961; first for the Chicago Park District, and on to various universites, YMCA's, as well as commercial martial arts schools in Chicago and suburbs. 

 

 

Kevin Bradley Sensei is a 5th Degree Black Belt and began his studies under Sensei Gilbert James in 1983.  Throughout his training, he has had the opportunity to work with high level instructors from Japan, Canada, the United States, and Australia.  He started his own club, the Meishinkan Dojo, in 1999.  

 

Bradley Sensei has held self-defense clinics, women's self-defense clinics, workshops for special needs youth, and a senior citizen class.  He has also brought in instructors from other martial arts, including Krav Maga, to enhance his training and expose his students to other arts.

 

 

Joseph Yen Sensei is a 2nd Degree Black Belt and began his training under Sensei Kevin Bradley in 1998 in Aurora, Illinois. 

 

He earned his First Degree Black Belt and Instructor's Certificate in 2004.  Sensei Yen has travelled to Canada, Japan, and throughout the US to attend clinics and enhance his skills.

 

He is a detail-oriented instructor and has assisted with all classes, including the special education classes.

 

 

Tye Fox Sensei  is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and began his study of Aikido with Eastern Region Aikikai in Casper, Wyoming with Sensei Todd Martin at the age of 18. During that time he was fortunate enough to meet Mitsunari Kanai Sensei before his passing in 2004.

 

After three years he had to discontinue study due to change of location and took up Yoshinkan Aikido in 2005 with Sensei Kevin Bradley at the Meishinkan Dojo.