Meet our Instructor
Jim Tabor Sensei is the dojo cho and chief instructor at Shinjinkan Dojo. He began Aikido training at Fumio Toyoda Shihan's Shinjinkan Dojo, then located in Chicago, in 1993 under the direction of Meido Moore Shihan. He has taught Aikido classes at Oakton Community College, along with Aikido and self-defense courses for the Tinley Park and Brookfield park districts. In addition to to Aikido, Tabor Sensei is a also a practitioner of Iaido, Rinzai Zen meditation, and Japanese fine arts of Sado (tea ceremony) and Shodo (calligraphy). Tabor Sensei began Zen training with Rev. Kogen Nagel in 1995, later practiced with So'zan Miller Roshi of Daiyuzenji in Chicago, and now trains with Meido Moore Roshi of Korinji Monastery in Reedsburg, WI. Tabor Sensei is a Group Meditation Leader Certified by Meido Roshi. Tabor Sensei holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree) in Aikido.
Jim Tabor Sensei
Shinjinkan Dojo is blessed with a rich lineage of extremely skilled instructors and advisors who have dedicated their lives pursing refinement in all things through the Way. We are lucky and honored to walk in their footsteps.
Fumio Toyoda Shihan (1947–2001)
Fumio Toyoda Shihan was a Japanese aikido teacher and Rinzai Zen master whose teachings continue to influence practitioners throughout the world. Born in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, he began training in aikido at age ten under Koichi Tohei Sensei and earned the rank of shodan at seventeen. During his youth, he also trained intensively in the misogi practices of the Ichikukai Dojo in Tokyo, where he began his formal study of Zen.
Toyoda Shihan later became an uchideshi (live-in student) at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, deepening his training in the art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. After moving to the United States, he founded the Aikido Association of America in 1984 and spent many years teaching seminars throughout North America and Europe.
Alongside his martial training, Toyoda Shihan maintained a lifelong commitment to Zen practice. In 1997, he received inka shōmei, formal recognition of mastery in the Rinzai Zen tradition, from Tenshin Tanouye Roshi of Chozen-ji in Honolulu, Hawaii, receiving the dharma name Tenzan Gensho Rokoj. Toyoda Shihan passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2001, at the age of 53. His teachings, spirit, and dedication to the unity of martial and spiritual training remain an enduring influence on generations of students. We are proud and humbled to carry his legacy here at Shinjikan Dojo.
Meido Moore Shihan
Meido Moore Shihan holds the rank of 7th dan, issued by Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai). He began practicing Aikido in 1986 and, in 1990, became an uchideshi of the late Fumio Toyoda Shihan, living and training under him in Chicago for seven years in both Aikido and Zen.
Under Toyoda Shihan's guidance, Moore Shihan began teaching internationally and later served as Director of the Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International. Following Toyoda Shihan's passing, he founded Shinjinkai in Chicago, which became known for its training in Aikido and classical Japanese martial arts.
In addition to his martial training, Moore Shihan is a recognized Rinzai Zen master, having received inka shōmei. In 2013, he founded Korinji, a Rinzai Zen monastery, which also houses Korinji Budo Dojo. Additionally, he is ordained in several other Japanese Buddhist traditions and also practices Kogetsu Enshu-ryu Zen Sado under the guidance of its Headmaster, Nakamura Nyosen Soke, who has awarded him the jun-shihan, assistant instructor, certificate. He studies calligraphy and ceramics, and is a trained bladesmith. He continues to travel worldwide to teach Zen and Budo.
Moore Shihan has published two books: The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice, and Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization.
Moore Shihan serves as one of Shinjinkan Dojo's advisors and master level teachers.
Lisa Tomoleoni Shihan
Lisa Tomoleoni Shihan holds the rank of 7th dan, awarded by Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu and Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai). She began her Aikido training in Chicago in the late 1980s and later moved to Japan in the early 1990's, where she spent more than 14 years training intensively at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.
While in Japan, she became an uchideshi at Aikido Shindo Dojo, undertaking traditional residential training and eventually being designated the dojo's successor. Upon returning to the United States in 2005, she founded Aikido Shimbokukai, which was officially recognized by Aikido World Headquarters in 2014.
In addition to her extensive Aikido training, Tomoleoni Shihan has studied several traditional Japanese arts and hold yudansha ranks in both Judo and Iaido, and is a member of the Kenshukan Dojo in Tokyo. Tomoleoni Shihan is also coauthor of the book "Along the Way", a collection of writings about training.
She continues to teach Aikido throughout the United States and internationally and serves as Chief Instructor of Abiding Spirit Aikikai.
Tomoleoni Shihan serves as one of Shinjinkan Dojo's advisors and master level teachers.