Member Articles

Learning the Language of Aikido

 Aikido is a language. I often hear that the techniques, exercises, forms and movements we practice are simply building blocks, and not an end in themselves. If we treat these blocks as ‘letters’ then naturally as we become familiar with these letters we can form words, from which we can make sentences and paragraphs. If Aikido is a language then the ultimate goal of our practice must be communication. {More}

Reflections After Forty Lessons of Aikido
Aikido is a mystery to me. Equally strange were the circumstances of how I literally stumbled upon and into the Naka Ima Aikikai dojo. On a frigid January morning this year, I made an unusual decision to go for a morning run. Instead of taking my standard route though Trinity-Bellwoods Park, I ran along a different course, very much on a whim, though perhaps according to my gut. Finding myself in the back promenade of the Liberty Market Building, I may have learned my first lesson in Aikido before even setting foot in the dojo; to be open to everything and be ready for nothing. {More}

Aikido Matters - The Art of It

 Like other forms of personal development, Aikido moves from the outside (physical) to the inside (spiritual). The practice of Aikido, or the way of the peaceful warrior, leads us from the mechanics of kata (structured forms) to the power of connected relationships with other people (the art). We might say that Aikido is, in essence, a relational art. As such, it is a powerful vehicle for personal growth. Through practice, we learn about ourselves and our impact on others. {More}

Aikido - Why do we practice?
Each person comes to the dojo for a different reason. Some come because they want to improve their physical condition, or as stress relief, or perhaps because they are interested in self-defence. Others join because of the feeling of community inside a dojo. And others have done some research into the philosophy of Aikido and wish to explore it further. Many parents bring their children to the dojo to encourage self-discipline, confidence and cooperation. All of these reasons and many others are valid and important. The most fundamental point is that each person who steps onto the mat is searching. They are asking the question: "How can I improve myself?" {More}

Cool People: Greg Angus - Sensei and Encaustic Artist

Produced by Kyle Surowicz, this piece on Greg Angus was nominated for a Centennial College DONNY AWARD in the category of Best Journalistic piece (Entertainment). {View}

Aikido Etiquettips - Bowing
Anyone who has ever watched Aikido practice notices right away that there is lots of bowing involved. To “western” eyes, this can be a little disconcerting and even uncomfortable – we often don’t understand at first what this traditional aspect of Aikido signifies. {More}

Aikido Etiquettips - Punctuality

 While our dojo style is friendly and informal, there are some basic principles of dojo etiquette that we should all strive to follow. Many of these “rules” carry on the traditional training practices of Aikido as it is practiced in Japan, its birthplace. {More}

Seishiro Endo shihan visits North America

 From March 30 through April 5, 2006, Endo Seishiro shihan, 8th dan at Hombu Dojo, Aikido World Headquarters in Japan, traveled to various destinations in Canada and the U.S. for a series of 3 day seminars. Among his stops were Toronto (ONT), Commerce (GA), and Seattle (WA). {More}