Aikido – The Way of Harmonizing Energy

Vancouver West Aikikai

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that was founded by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). In Aikido, the keen edge of the martial art training is used as a means for personal development, self-discipline and spiritual growth. The ideal in Aikido is not to think of defeating an attacker, but rather to be in harmony and to neutralize the attack.

As the Aikido philosophy is to promote harmony and non-conflict, there are no competitions in Aikido, and there is no “sparring” during practice. Instead, training partners help each other learn the proper execution of various forms. Aikido practice is characterized by a series of techniques and exercises designed to allow the body to internalize the principles of movement, awareness, and energy dynamics. Through persistent and sincere training, one will begin to understand both the internal and the martial aspects of the art.

Vancouver West Aikikai was founded in 1986 by Ishiyama Shihan, who is the current Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho, holding the rank of the 7th dan. Ishiyama Shihan has been studying Aikido since 1968, both in Japan and in North America, and has been teaching Aikido since 1973.

Vancouver West Aikikai offers Aikido programs for children, adult beginners, and regular adult classes. Vancouver West Aikikai is affiliated with the Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan), Canadian Aikido Federation, & British Columbia Aikido Federation.