Aikido is a way of personal development through a traditional Japanese martial art. Aikido is often translated as the Art of Peace, and described as the Meditation in Motion. The purpose of this art is to bring balance to one's mind and body, and by extension to promote peace and harmony in the world. Aikido is so vast and deep that everyone will experience it differently. But everyone will benefit by developing their awareness and mindfulness, becoming more confident and open to the world, and reducing their daily stress.
We are continuing our beginners classes for fully vaccinated teens and adults, taught by Megan Sekiya Sensei. These classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, at VWA Shaughnessy. If you're interested in learning Aikido, we suggest you come and watch a class first, and talk to our instructors.
VWA is happy to announce that SFU Aikikai will continue as a VWA-affiliated dojo, with Valentine Kabanets Sensei as the head instructor. Starting January 2022, SFU Aikikai will be offering Aikido classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (at the SFU gym in Burnaby), through SFU Athletics and Recreation. More details to follow.
VWA is happy to announce a branch dojo opening in New Westminster (VWA New West) on Sept 17, 2021, headed by Ramin Arvin Sensei. VWA New West will be offering Aikido classes on Friday evenings. Please see the schedule & fees section below for more details.
We've moved to a new location: VWA Shaughnessy, 1357 W 38th Ave, Vancouver . Starting July 5, our Monday and Wednesday classes will be indoors at VWA Shaughnessy, 7:15-8:45 pm. And starting Aug 7, our Saturday morning classes will also be indoors at VWA Shaughnessy, 10:30 am - 12 pm. Please see the schedule for the times and locations. Please see these VWA rules regarding our indoor classes.
Kamiza at VWA Shaughnessy
Congratulations to Megan Sekiya and Andrew Dyadin on passing their shodan tests! Great job, Megan and Andrew!
Congratulations to Jim Callaghan and Francisco Diaz on passing their 3rd kyu tests! Well done, Jim and Francisco!
| date | instructor | title | place | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2021 | Ishiyama, Macphail, and Moline Senseis | Victoria Aikikai seminar | Victoria | in-person training restricted to Victoria Aikikai-affiliated dojo members only; Zoom link for others. (Class 1: 12 - 12:45 Moline Sensei, Class 2: 1 - 1:45 Macphail Sensei, Classes 3 and 4: 2 to 3:30 Ishiyama Sensei. Fees: $35 for in-person and $25 for Zoom participants.) |
| Dec 2021 (exact dates TBD) | Ishiyama Shihan | Victoria Aikikai seminar | Victoria | |
| Oct 2022 (exact dates TBD) | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF fall seminar | Vancouver |
| day | times | level | location | instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 18:00–19:00 | basic | VWA Shaughnessy | Megan Sekiya Sensei |
| Mon | 19:15–20:45 | advanced | VWA Shaughnessy | Valentine Kabanets Sensei |
| Wed | 18:00–19:00 | basic | VWA Shaughnessy | Megan Sekiya Sensei |
| Wed | 19:15–20:45 | advanced | VWA Shaughnessy | Valentine Kabanets Sensei |
| Fri | 19:45–21:00 | all levels | VWA New West | Ramin Arvin Sensei |
| Sat | 10:30–12:00 | advanced | VWA Shaughnessy | Valentine Kabanets Sensei |
NOTE: On statutory holiday Mondays, we have a single combined class (for all levels), 6:30-7:45 pm.
The advanced classes are taught by our Chief Instructor Ishiyama Sensei whenever he is in town.
See these VWA rules regarding indoor classes during Stage 3 of BC's reopening plan.
| program @ VWA Shaughnessy | period | amount |
|---|---|---|
| gainfully employed adults (students, unemployed, retired) |
monthly | $100 ($60) |
| 4 months | $360 ($200) | |
| intro six classes | Jan or Sep | $80 |
| drop in | one class | $20 |
For the full program at VWA New West, the fees are to be paid directly to the Centennial Community Centre via this link.
The students registered at VWA New West only, or at VWA Shaughnessy only, may take classes at the other VWA dojo, paying a drop-in fee of $10 per class.
Beginners and visitors are welcome. Drop-in visitors will be required to sign a waiver at the dojo before practising. Please observe proper etiquette and adhere to the dojo Code of Conduct .
All dojo members are required to pay Canadian Aikido Federation and BC Aikido Federation annual dues.
New members must complete and sign a membership form and waiver . This may be done on arrival at the dojo, or you may save time by completing the form online and either printing it or emailing it to us.
The children's classes use a different membership form and waiver , which must be completed by parents before their children join the classes.
Exceptions to these policies will be considered on an individual basis (see Sensei before the class).
VWA spring seminar 2018
