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.
Starting Dec 2, we will have combined classes (for both beginners and more advanced students), on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-8:15 pm. (We'll go back to our separate basics and all-levels classes on Jan 13, 2020.)
Starting Dec 1, there will be no Sunday classes until further notice. Please note, however, that there will be a special Sunday class on Dec 8 by Bruce.
Our classes on Fridays and Saturdays will continue as scheduled.
Please note that there will be no classes on Wed, Dec 25, 2019, and on Wed, Jan 1, 2020.
We will have a special "end of the year class" on Dec 31, starting at 11:30 pm going till 12:30 am, with a small party at the dojo after the class. Come and celebrate the New Year with us by practicing Aikido through the midnight!
VWA is very happy to host a seminar with Fujimaki Shihan (7th dan, Aikikai Hombu Dojo), on Apr 3-5, 2020, in Vancouver. This seminar has been endorsed and encouraged by Osawa Shihan (8th dan, Aikikai Hombu Dojo).
| Fri, Apr 3 | |
|---|---|
| 18:30-19:30 | registration |
| 19:30-21:00 | class: Fujimaki |
| 21:00-22:30 | reception |
| Sat, Apr 4 | |
| 9:00-10:00 | registration |
| 10:00-12:00 | class 1: Fujimaki |
| 12:00-14:00 | lunch break |
| 14:00-15:00 | class 2: Fujimaki |
| 15:10-16:00 | class 3: TBA |
| 16:00-17:00 | dan testing |
| 18:00-21:00 | evening social |
| Sun, Apr 5 | |
| 9:00-9:30 | registration |
| 9:30-10:15 | class 1: TBA |
| 10:30-12:30 | class 2: Fujimaki |
| mat fees | before Mar 3, 2020 | after Mar 4, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| full seminar | $130 | $150 |
| Fri only | $30 | $40 |
| Sat only | $80 | $90 |
| Sun only | $50 | $60 |
10% discount for students and unemployed.
More details to follow.
Our special New Year's practice, Kagami Biraki, will be on Sat, Jan 11, 2020, at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, at VWA Jericho. This is a traditional celebration starting a new year of Aikido training (see here for more information on the Kagami Biraki tradition). There will be a special Aikido class, 10:30 - 11:30 am, followed by a reception at the dojo. The event is free of charge. Everyone is welcome!
If you are curious about what Aikido has to offer, this is your chance!
Vancouver West Aikikai will be offering a special three-week introductory Aikido course for teens and adults in January 2020. The classes will be on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, starting Mon, Jan 13, and ending Wed, Jan 29, at VWA Jericho. The price for six classes is $60. You can pay through PayPal, or with cash or cheque at your first class.
If you're intending to attend this series of intro classes, please email us before the first class to let us know you are coming! Please arrive at least 20 minutes before class starts and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Hope to see you at the dojo!
We are happy to continue our Aikido classes on Fridays, 7:30 - 8:45 pm, at our second location, VWA Cambie, close to Cambie at W 16th Ave (at the gym of St Mary's Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 3140 Ash Street, Vancouver). These are combined beginners/regular classes taught by Ishu Ishiyama Sensei, Valentine Kabanets Sensei, and Ramin Arvin Sensei. New students are welcome!
| date | instructor | title | place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 3-5, 2020 | Fujimaki Shihan | VWA spring seminar | Vancouver |
| Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2020 | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF summer camp | Halifax, NS |
| Oct 9 - 11, 2020 (planned) | Osawa Hayato Shihan | CAF fall seminar | Vancouver |
| 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 | $210 |
| Apr–Jun | $210 | |
| Sep–Dec | $240 |
No children classes on Oct 14, 16, and Nov 11, 2019.
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
