Aikido in Action: Leadership & Resilience in Motion

Event Date: May 25, 2025 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a special event exploring leadership and resilience through the lens of Aikido, a Japanese martial art rooted in harmony, presence, and non-resistance.

From 10:00 – 11:00 am, experience a dynamic introductory class led by instructors Dwight Sora (4th degree black belt) and Qin Coe (2nd degree blackbelt) at Chicago Aikikai – a hidden gem of Japanese cultural heritage in the city. All bodies and experience levels are welcome.

From 11:15 am – 12:30 pm, take part in a workshop conversation connecting Aikido principles to daily leadership and personal strength. We’ll reflect on the legacy of Asian American resilience and how these traditions can guide us through conflict, change, and challenge.

Click here to register for free. Suggested donation $10 – 25 to our new building fund. Cash or check accepted, or donate online.

Wear comfortable clothing. No experience necessary – just curiosity and an open heart.

About the instructors

Dwight Sora (空ドワイト) is a Chicago-based Japanese-English document translator and actor. He provided Japanese language spport for the Engineering Department of Yaskawa Electric America (YEA) in Buffalo Grove for five years before going freelance. As an actor, he has appeared onstage in Chicago with Filament Theatre, The Gift Theatre, Strawdog Theatre Company, Lifeline Theatre, Raven Theatre Chicago, and understudied for Token Theatre, Silk Road Cultural Center, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has also served as fight choreographer for Mercury Theatre Chicago, Porchlight Music Theatre, and Theatre-Hikes and was an onstage combatant for Lyric Opera Chicago.

Dwight has a B.A. from the Department of East Asian Lanuages & Civilizations at University of Chicago. He started studying Aikido in 1993 while on a foreign studies program at Waseda University in Tokyo, training with the university Aikido Club and at World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu Dojo). He is a fourth-generation Japanese American (by way of Hawaii) on his father’s side, and second-generation Korean American on his mother’s side.

Qin Coe is a champion for her clients’ highest capacity. As an Executive and Leadership coach, she partners with executives, founders, and leaders from Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, to non-profit organizations. She has served in coaching and mentorship capacities for organizations such as South By Southwest, Dollar General, Motorola, Morningstar, and Chicago Innovation. She most recently held the role as the Head of Customer Success in a SaaS company, and has served clients in Finance and Technology in various capacities including customer success, sales, product management, and operations.

Qin holds a PhD of Physical Chemistry from the University of Chicago. People who know her best describe her as curious, impactful, and fearless.

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