The Nanaimo Aikikai Crest O-Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba) -
                Aikido's Founder
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Dojo Schedule
Spring Training Schedule For (May 16 - Aug  2023)
Classes begin May 16 this summer but watch here for location changes due to Gyn renovation

 
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Evening Classes
(Summer 2023)
   
6-8 pm

Regular class

East Gym*

Valentine Kabanets

 
6-8 pm

Regular class

East Gym*

Valentine Kabanets

 

No class

East Gym*

Valentine Kabanets

Dojo location: Simon Fraser University, East, Central, West Gym

* Due to SFU Gym renovation classes will be changing locations during the term - check here or our email each week.

Typical locations this term: East Gym in south west corner, Transport Centre Studio 1,  Central Gym south west end (near climbing wall) - behind curtains, West Gym: south side or mezzanine

NOTE: Trial Week is May 16-19th
Regular classes begin Tuesday May 23.









Kanji
We welcome visitors from other dojos at all scheduled practices. Our drop-in fee is $3.00. Please note that you must be a registered with a home dojo.

Note to New People:

After completing enough practices (approx. 35 classes), and with permission from your instructor, students will be eligible practice at other dojos in Canada and participate in seminars. Once you are elidgable for your first test of rank there is an annual fee payable to cover membership to the BCAF and the CAF. This is in addition to the course fee.

What Do I Wear?

As a beginner you are welcome to wear jogging pants and a loose t-shirt for a term. However these items get damaged easily. The dogi, or gi, is the uniform that students wear during practice and is very durable and comfortable. A Karate-gi or more durable Judo-gi is preferred, and should be white or natural (unbleached). Shoes, jewellery and make-up are not worn on the mat. Sandals rather than street shoes are encouraged to and from change rooms.

Ranking:

Our Aikikai club follows the traditional Aikido kyu and dan system of ranking where only white and black belts are worn. The Aikido student begins with gokkyu (5th-kyu), and moves on in stages, eventually reaching ikkyu (1st-kyu). After passing a black belt test, a student is awarded the rank of shodan (first degree black belt) and becomes eligible for examination for advanced dan ranks.

Because Aikido is a classical martial art, tournaments (shiai) are non-existent. Instead, well-executed performance of the arts (techniques), the seriousness and diligence of the student during practice as well as the student's understanding of Aikido principles play a part in their overall advancement. 




 
The SFU Aikikai Club is affiliated with:
Vancouver West Aikikai Dojo

the British Columbia Aikido Federation (BCAF)

the Canadian Aikido Federation and the International Aikido Federation, with headquarters in Japan (Hombu).
links

Lineage:

Our chief instructor in Canada was Yukio Kawahara Sensei (8th dan), sent to Canada from Japan to represent and promote the growth of Aikikai clubs. After Kawahara Sensei passed away in 2011, Hayato Osawa Sensei (8th dan) assumed the role of the Technical Director for the Canadian Aikido Federation (CAF). Most of the advanced gradings are done by Osawa Sensei and the CAF Examination Committee.

Contact Information:
E-mail: sfu.aikikai@gmail.com
This page update: May 16, 2023
 by Glenn Chapman

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