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.
Our Aikido classes continue on-line (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). This is an opportunity for all of us to develop and deepen the very important solo component of Aikido practice. See you at our virtual dojo!
The VWA board of directors and Ishiyama Shihan have decided to cancel all aikido classes immediately in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking this drastic step on the advice of Dr. Bob Wolber, a dojo member and student of Ishiyama Shihan since 1993. Bob Wolber MD, MPH, is Department Head and Medical Laboratory Director at Lions Gate Hospital/ Coastal Community of Care and 3rd Dan in Aikido. A part of Bob’s letter is reproduced below.
“The only way we can hope to successfully cope with this [pandemic] is to “flatten the curve”, meaning delay the transmission of the virus in the population so that the number of acutely ill is only a steady flow, rather than a tidal wave that overwhelms our ability to provide care.
“I recommend that all BCAF dojos discontinue Aikido practice indefinitely, until notified otherwise by public health officials. I know this is a harsh action and a real curtailment of a beloved activity and life commitment of the Aikido community. However, a single asymptomatic infected individual can transmit the virus to a number of individuals in a single Aikido practice. I would encourage Aikido members to stay in close contact through virtual means: social distancing does not mean social isolation.
“Wash your hands, stay home if you are sick (cough and fever; not the sniffles), phone your physician and ask to be tested if you believe you may be infected. Go to one of the new Urgent Primary Care Centres if you develop breathing difficulties.”
The spring seminar with Fujimaki Shihan will be also cancelled. The board will issue further notices to our members in the near future.
Vancouver West Aikikai takes the health of our community seriously. Many organizations have cancelled public events to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The risk level in Vancouver is currently low. However, the number of cases in BC has risen in recent days.
To minimize risk to our Aikido community and their families, we are regretfully cancelling the April 3–5, 2020 seminar with Fujimaki Shihan.
Fujimaki Shihan is being invited to come in April 2021 instead. We look forward to hosting him at that time.
Vancouver West Aikikai is happy to refund all seminar payments made to date. Some of you may prefer to leave your payments with us for future seminars. Please let us know by March 31 if you would prefer a refund. If you paid by PayPal, note that transaction fees are deducted by PayPal. Please email Liz McKinlay, Deputy Dojo-Cho ([email protected]) for refunds.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our 1-day seminars over the summer as well as at the fall CAF seminar. Vancouver West Aikikai is hosting Osawa Shihan October 9–11, 2020.
Stay safe and healthy!
| date | instructor | title | place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9 - 11, 2020 | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF fall seminar | Vancouver |
| day | times | level | location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 18:30–19:45 | all levels | online |
| Wed | 18:30–19:45 | all levels | online |
| Sat | 10:30–11:45 | all levels | online |
We are holding our classes online while the COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
| program | period | amount |
|---|---|---|
| adults | monthly | $80 |
| Jan–Mar | $210 | |
| Apr–Jun | $210 | |
| Jul–Aug | $140 | |
| Sep–Dec | $280 | |
| intro six classes | Jan or Sep | $60 |
| drop in | one class | $10 |
| children | monthly | none |
| (ages 7–13) | Jan–Mar | $200 |
| Apr–Jun | $210 | |
| Sep–Dec | $240 |
Children's classes in 2020 start on Jan 13 and continue until Mar 11. No children's classes on Feb 17 & 19, 2020.
Groupon discount vouchers are available for beginners. 12-class books and family discounts are available for registered dojo members.
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).
cash or cheque at the dojo
e-transfer (preferred) to [email protected], with Sensei's last name as the answer to your (arbitrary) security question
VWA spring seminar 2018
