Aikido Instructors
Sensei Greg Angus is a godan (5th-degree black belt) and chief instructor at Naka Ima Aikikai. Greg has practised martial arts for over 30 years and is also a yondan (4th-degree black belt) in karate. At 13, he began his martial arts training in Karate, a discipline he pursued throughout his high school and university years. In 1986, upon completing his graduate degree in Fine Arts, Greg travelled to Japan to further his Karate martial art studies. Once there, Greg encountered Aikido and immediately began his practice at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. His Aikido training continued throughout his 10 years in Japan, primarily under the direction of Endo Shihan.
Greg is the head instructor of the Naka Ima Aikikai martial arts dojo and an active participant in the Aikido community of Toronto. Greg is also a deshi of Endo Shihan and hosts an annual Aikido seminar that is conducted by his teacher in Toronto, with participants attending from all over North America. Off the mat, Greg works as an artist whose paintings have been exhibited both locally and internationally. To watch a video of Greg Angus as an Aikido instructor and artist, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9VrjbLoe0.
Sensei Ramin Arvin is a founding member and senior instructor at Naka Ima Aikikai. Currently a yondan (4th-degree black belt), Ramin 
has been practicing Aikido for over 15 years. Ramin began his Aikido training at the Aikido Shugyo Dojo in Toronto under the direction of Sensei Fran Turner. He proceeded to study intensively as an "uchi deshi" (live-in student) with Donovan Waite Sensei at the Aikido of Center City dojo in Philadelphia. Ramin has traveled with Waite Sensei to Aikido seminars in both North and South America.
Outside the dojo, Ramin is a full-time licensed electrician. In addition to Aikido, Ramin has also been actively practicing meditation for over 12 years.
Kali Hewitt-Blackie holds the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt) and feels fortunate to have practiced Aikido 
regularly for over 20 years. She is grateful to her teacher, Sensei Yumi Nakamura. In 2006 she was tested for nidan (2nd degree black belt) by Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, the head of the United States Aikido Federation. She believes that Aikido is not only a vehicle for personal development, but also by connecting through movement, we come to a greater understanding of the subtleties of our relationships to others. Kali joined Naka Ima Aikikai because the intention of the dojo to “be here now,” spoke to her wish for herself and others. By day, Kali is a psychotherapist.
Dino Manca is a nidan (2nd degree black belt) and a senior 
student at Naka Ima Aikikai. Dino began his Aikido martial art practice approximately 10 years ago at the Aikido Shugyo Dojo in Toronto under the direction of Sensei Fran Turner and Sensei Gabe DiMarco, where he developed a keen interest for the practice of weapons (Iwama-style with boken, jo, and tanto). He has been with Naka Ima since its foundation, initially attracted by its focused and vigorous practice, and later complemented by a desire to refine and perfect the efficiency of his art through an enhanced understanding of centeredness, sensitivity, and compassion.
Outside the dojo, Dino is a scientist and senior manager in the pharmaceutical industry.
Jesse Brown, a nidan (2nd degree black belt), 
is currently a strength coach and personal fitness trainer in Toronto. Jesse started practicing Aikido during his university studies in Montreal. Upon completing his degree, Jesse moved to Japan to teach English and to continue his Aikido practice where he became a devoted student of Shimamoto Katsuyuki Shihan. While in Japan, he also began practicing Iaido and Kung Fu to further his understanding of Budo and enhance his Aikido. Jesse returned to Canada in 2009, and recently completed his diploma in Strength Conditioning as a way to bridge the gap between traditional martial arts and modern sport science.
