People practise aikido for many reasons. Some seek to improve their physical fitness, flexibility, and coordination; some endeavour to develop precision and power in a martial art; others are interested in exploring the connection between mind and body. Whatever your goals are, persistent and sincere aikido practice will help you cultivate awareness and polish your entire self. Aikido does not include competitions – students of all ages, fitness levels, and experiences train together. Half of aikido practice is dedicated to applying techniques; the other half is focused on protecting oneself and falling safely. With time, practice grows in depth, speed, and intensity.
Regardless of your reason to practise, aikido at Vancouver West Aikikai has something to offer you! The foundation of Vancouver West Aikikai’s community is our diverse membership. New students, regardless of background or experience, are welcome to join year-round. You are encouraged to observe a class, or participate in a free trial class. We look forward to seeing you on the mats!
``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
Starting on Sept 3, our Monday and Wednesday classes will be back to our usual 7:30-9 pm time slot. Our Saturday classes will continue as usual 10am-12pm; but please note that there will be no Saturday classes on Sep 20 and 27, 2025. Friday classes will resume on Sept 5 in the usual 6-8 pm time slot.
Please note the following class cancellations for September: no class on Fri, Sep 19; no Sat classes on Sep 20 and Sep 27. In November: no class on Fri, Nov 28; no class on Sat, Nov 29.
Our last class of 2025, before the Christmas break, will be on Dec 22, 2025. We will resume our classes in early January 2026.
We are offering new students the discounted rate: 2 months for $140 ($80 - U18/post-secondary students/retired/unemployed).
We hold our classes at two locations: St. Philips Gym, 3737 W 27th Ave on Monday nights, Friday nights and Saturday mornings, and St. Mary's Kerrisdale Gym, 2490 W 37th Ave on Wednesday nights. Please see the schedule below for more details.
At the VWA St Philip's dojo (2024)
Our dojo is a member of the BC Aikido Federation and Canadian Aikido Federation, affiliated with Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan.
At the CAF seminar with Osawa Hayato Shihan in Kelowna (2024)
| date | instructor | title | place |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 24-26, 2025 | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF fall seminar | Halifax, NS |
| July 4-10, 2026 | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF summer camp | Toronto, ON |
| day | time* | location |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 19:45–21:00 | Dunbar |
| Wed | 19:45–21:00 | 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).
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, taught by Phil Kirwin Sensei, are specifically for beginners or anyone who wants to work on Aikido basics.
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 |
Special offer: New students get 2 months for $140 ($80 - U18/post-secondary students/retired/unemployed).
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 seminars & outdoor classes
