Transformative Practices at Daiyuzenji

In addition to Zen training, Daiyuzenji offers a range of transformative movement practices designed to enhance both physical conditioning and mental clarity. These disciplines are rooted in classical traditions and are led by experienced, dedicated instructors.

We currently offer:

  • SHAKUHACHI GROUP CLASS – 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. RSVP

  • POWER YOGA - Tuesdays 6 - 6:45 PM. RSVP

  • ASHTANGA YOGA – Breath-led strength and balance. Monthly on the second Sunday of the month, 10:45 - 12 PM. RSVP to receive class updates.

  • IAIDO & KENJUTSU – The art of drawing and training with the Japanese sword. With Kogetsukai

  • JODO – The way of the wooden staff, With Kogetsukai

  • AIKIDO FOR BEGINNERS– Harmonizing with movement and intention. with Aikido Kenshin Dojo

  • KIDS MARTIAL ARTS – Foundational skills for body and awareness. With Kogetsukai

  • SUGAWARA-HA KATORI SHINTO RYO - Monthly, first Saturday of the month, 12 - 3 PM. With Kogetsukai

  • ATARASHII NAGINATA - with Shuukinkan Naginata of Chicago. Click here.

Our practices are open to people of all experience levels. Open enrollment allows you to start at any time, and beginners are always welcome.

Join Us

Classes meet weekly and are open to the public.
Donations support Daiyuzenji and help sustain these offerings as part of our broader mission.

See below for descriptions and schedule details for some of the classes. (Accordion section)

As we continue to grow, we invite like-minded instructors to join us. If your practice aligns with our mission, please contact us at daiyuzenji@gmail.com for more information.

  • Japanese weapons arts are offered by KogetsuKai (“Kogetsu” means “moon lake” referring to the moon shining over Lake Michigan and “kai” means “society”), the only dojo in the Chicagoland area to train in several Japanese martial arts: (Zen Ken Ren (Seitei) Iaido and Jodo, Shinto Muso-ryu, Tendo-ryu Naginatajutsu and Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo.

    We believe in training with the six virtues of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, sincerity, and bravery.

    Jodo, Iaido, and Kenjutsu can be enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest grade–schooler to the oldest senior citizen. The benefits derived from training affect many aspects of a person’s everyday life. These include:

    • Speed and agility

    • Precision and timing

    • Self-confidence

    • Comradeship

    • Harmony of mind and body

    Kogetsukai teachers are volunteers and offer classes for all experience levels, from novice to advanced trainees. Instructors.

    To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com

  • We train in the art of drawing and training with the Japanese sword.

    The Zen Ken Ren Iai are twelve kata drawn from several major sword schools, including Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu and Mugai-ryu. Iaido emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.

    Kenjutsu, swordsmanship consists of many different aspects, including formal techniques, practical techniques, and conditioning drills. The classical (koryu) schools of kenjutsu we practice are Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo and Kasumi Shinto-ryu.

    Schedule: Attendance on both days is not required.

    • Sundays 1 - 2:45 pm

    • Thursdays 8:30 – 9:30 pm

    Requested donation $30/month
    To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com

    This class is available to all Daiyuzenji Supporting Members.

  • We train in the art of Jodo, “the way of the wooden staff”.

    The Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei Jodo system contains twelve staff forms (kata) against a swordsman using a bokuto (wooden sword).

    As a student develops, they can move into the koryu (classical style) techniques of the Shinto Muso-ryu tradition. Which includes the 64 kata as well as the Fuzoku Ryuha (Assimilated Schools), Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu, Ikkaku-ryu Juttejutsu, Uchida-ryu Tanjōjutsu and Kasumi Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.

    Schedule: Attendance on both days is not required.

    • Sundays 2:45 – 4:30 pm

    • Thursdays 9:30 – 10 pm

    Requested donation $30/ month. This class is available to all Daiyuzenji Supporting Members.


    To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com

  • Rising Moon Warriors offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese martial arts and Zen practices to cultivate discipline, self-defense skills, and inner peace.

    Classes are tailored for children ages 5 to 12 and organized into age-specific groups to ensure each child receives the appropriate instruction and attention during our one-hour sessions.

    Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM

    Requested donation $30/month
    To participate, email Laurence@Kogetsukai.com

  • Instructor: Seion Vandever, 2nd Dan; Aikido Kenshin Dojo

    Founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is a potent distillation of centuries of martial knowledge, transmitting the most noble teachings of Japan's samurai tradition. The guiding principles make it more than just a set of techniques for combat or self-defense. Aikido is a martial art that trains to integrate the mind and body, serving as a transformative practice for deep personal development. The art's philosophy seeks to avoid harming others whenever possible.

    The training emphasizes decisive techniques of defense (throws, joint-locks, strikes, and immobilizations) as well as the use of, and defense against, weapons (long sword, staff, and knife). Practice is conducted primarily through kata (pre-arranged series of movements), performed cooperatively by two practitioners who switch roles in receiving and performing the technique. A variety of other exercises are used to build awareness, correct posture and movement, and fitness. The mechanics of Aikido are based on refined, unforced movements using the entire body, which allow Aikido to be practiced safely and successfully by all, regardless of age, size, or strength.

  • Led by Perry Galanopoulos

    Ashtanga Yoga is one of the original systems of yoga developed by Pattabhi Jois, who studied under Krishnamacharya, the Father of Modern Yoga. This practice follows a set sequence of poses—including standing, balancing, seated, backbends, and inversions—that can be modified to suit beginners. The primary series, which we will focus on, is particularly beneficial for stretching the hamstrings and opening the hips.

    Ashtanga is a powerful practice that integrates poses (asanas), breath control (ujjayi pranayama), focused gaze (drishti), and energy locks (bandhas) to cultivate inward focus (pratyahara). This practice helps build long, lean muscles, enhances balance and flexibility, oxygenates the body, stimulates the lymphatic system, calms the nervous system, and moves energy through the 12 channels of the body.

    Join us in this dynamic and meditative practice to cultivate physical and mental well-being. 

    Led by Perry Galanopoulos
    Perry's journey into Ashtanga yoga began through his herbal supplement company, where he first encountered the practice. Years of sports injuries had taken a toll on his body, and he turned to Ashtanga and Yin yoga as a way to rehabilitate. The impact was transformative—not only did yoga help him heal physically, but it also had a profound effect on his mind and spirit. Inspired by this experience, Perry pursued his passion further, traveling to Guatemala to earn his 200-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Alliance certification under Doron Hanoch. After taking some downtime for a necessary surgery, Perry is excited to start teaching at Daiyuzenji this fall. He continues to deepen his practice through a 74-hour Ashtanga Immersion course.

  • Join us in this dynamic and meditative practice to cultivate physical and mental well-being. Bring Your yoga mats, blocks, and straps.

    Beginners are welcome.

    Class Structure:

    • Opening Chant & Om: Optional, to center and prepare for practice

    • Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice: The core of the class, focusing on the primary series

    • Closing Chant & Om: Optional, to conclude the practice

    • Savasana: A final relaxation pose with a sound bowl to deepen the experience

    Sundays, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
    Requested Donation for non-members $20.

    To Sign-up Click Here

Donate via Paypal