Why practice Aikido?

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. Studying Aikido teaches one how to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner by harmonising with an attacker's force to neutralise it. This art is so vast and deep that one can continue studying it for many years, always discovering something new! Since Aikido is based on working with universal energy (KI) rather than relying on muscle strength, individuals of any fitness level can practice.

``The Path is exceedingly vast. From ancient times to the present, even the greatest sages were unable to perceive and comprehend the entire truth; the explanations and teachings of masters and saints only express part of the whole. It is not possible for anyone to speak of such things in their entirety – just head for the light and heat, learn from the gods, and through the virtue of devoted practice become one with the divine. Seek enlightenment along the edge.'' – Morihei Ueshiba

dojo announcements

Class schedule changes for March and April 2024

March 16, 2024

The classes on March 22, 23, 29, and 30, and on April 3, 6, 10, 17, and 24 are as usual. There will be schedule changes on the following dates, with Monday classes in April being moved to St. Mary's (due to St. Philip's being booked for Kiwanis music festival).

  • March 18 and 25, and April 1: classes at St. Philip's start at 7:15 pm (with gym access at 7 pm)
  • March 20 and 27, and April 8, 15, 22, and 29: classes at St. Mary's start at 7 pm (with gym access at 6:45 pm)

How to start practicing Aikido with us

January 12, 2024

Are you curious to try Aikido? You can book your first class with us (please email us to make arrangements). No prior martial arts experience is necessary. Before joining the dojo, you are asked to read and agree to abide by the dojo's Code of Conduct , as well as to  complete and sign a membership form and waiver .

We hold our classes at two locations: St. Philips Gym, 3737 W 27th Ave on Mondays (7:30-9:30 pm) and Saturdays (10 am - 12pm), and St. Mary's Kerrisdale Gym, 2490 W 37th Ave on Wednesdays (8:05 - 9:45 pm). Please see the schedule below for more details.

VWA-affiliated SFU Aikikai dojo at SFU Burnaby

January 2024

SFU Aikikai (a VWA-affiliated dojo, with Valentine Kabanets Sensei) is currently on hiatus.

VWA New West AT CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE

November 23, 2023

VWA New West (a VWA branch dojo, with Ramin Arvin Sensei as head instructor) is currently on pause while the community centre is waiting for a new building being constructed.

Upcoming Aikido Seminars

date instructor title place
June 21-28, 2024 Osawa Hayato Shihan CAF summer camp Halifax
October 25-27, 2024 Osawa Hayato Shihan CAF fall seminar Kelowna


VWA @ Dunbar (St. Philip's)

3737 West 27th Avenue, Vancouver
[email protected]




VWA @ Kerrisdale (St. Mary's)

2490 West 37th Avenue, Vancouver
[email protected]





[email protected]
604-224-1820
Vancouver West Aikikai, c/o E.M. McKinlay, 3927 West 29th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6S 1V2

class schedule

day time* location
Mon 19:45–21:00 Dunbar
Wed 20:20–21:35 Kerrisdale
Fri 18:15–19:45 Dunbar
Sat 10:15–11:45 Dunbar

*NOTE: Please arrive at the dojo at least 15 minutes before the class start time (shown above) to help with setup! On Mondays, there is an open mats practice right after class (ato geiko), 21:00-21:15.

Class instructors: Classes at the VWA main dojo (Dunbar and Kerrisdale) are taught by our instructional team consisting of Chief Instructor Ishiyama Sensei, Deputy Chief Instructor Valentine Kabanets Sensei, and the senior blackbelt members. Friday classes are specifically for beginners or anyone who wants to work on Aikido basics; to be taught by Phil Kirwin Sensei.

See this VWA notice regarding our COVID policy.

fees

program @ VWA period amount
gainfully employed adults
(students, unemployed, retired)
monthly $100 ($60)
  4 months $360 ($200)
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 Dunbar only, may take classes at the other VWA dojo, paying a drop-in fee of $10 per class.

For the program at SFU Aikikai, please register directly with SFU Recreation. The same drop-in arrangmement applies to SFU Aikikai students ($10 per class at VWA).

Basic policies

Beginners and visitors are welcome. Beginners will be paired up with more experienced dojo members during class. 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 dojo members

Our dojo is open for new members to join. 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.

Exceptions to these policies will be considered on an individual basis (see Sensei before the class).

Payment methods

cash or cheque at the dojo

e-transfer (preferred) to [email protected]

via PayPal

photos

VWA 2018 spring seminar & 2020 outdoor classes