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
There is no class on Sat, Dec 2 (due to a church event). The last class in 2023 will be Sat, Dec 23, 2023. The first class in 2024 will be Wed, Jan 3, 2024. (No classes between Dec 24 and Jan 2.) Happy Holidays!
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 will be asked 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.
SFU Aikikai (a VWA-affiliated dojo, with Valentine Kabanets Sensei) resumed Aikido classes at SFU in the summer semester of 2023. On Sep 19 and Sep 21, there will be free introductory Aikido classes. To register for these free classes, please follow the link to the SFU rec services here . Regular Aikido classes at SFU will start on Sep 26, 2023. Free intro and regular classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 pm, in TC (Transportation Centre) Studio 2 ; it's across this Starbucks location . The classes are particularly geared towards complete beginners, but practitioners of any rank are welcome! To register, please follow this link !
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.
| date | instructor | title | place |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 21-28, 2024 | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF summer camp | Halifax |
| day | time* | location |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 19:30–21:30 | Dunbar |
| Tue | 18:00–20:00 | SFU |
| Wed | 20:05–21:45 | Kerrisdale |
| Thu | 18:00–20:00 | SFU |
| Sat | 10:00–12:00 | Dunbar |
*NOTE: The class times shown above include setup and takedown times (about 15 min each). Please arrive at the dojo at the start time shown to help with setup!
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. Classes at SFU Aikikai are taught by Valentine Kabanets Sensei.
See this VWA notice regarding our COVID policy.
| 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).
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.
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).
VWA 2018 spring seminar & 2020 outdoor classes
