What is Aikido?

Aikido (合気道, Aikidō) means "the Way of harmonious spirit". It is a modern martial art based on centuries of Japanese tradition.

The goal of Aikido practitioners is to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.

Major Points:

• Flexibility and endurance, with less emphasis on strength training.
• Develops balance through whole-body movements.
• Controlled relaxation.
• Defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with weapons.

About the instructor:

A 6th degree black belt, George Hewson is one of the highest ranking Aikido instructors in Canada. Practicing since 1975 he has been active in Aikido for 36 years. He received his shodan(first degree black belt) in 1980 while training in Japan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the Meiji Jingu Shiseikan. The late Yukio Kawahara Shihan recommended him for rokudan (6th degree black belt) in 2006. A teacher at the Royal Ontario Museum, George specializes in East Asian culture topics such as the influence of Chinese philosophy on the Japanese samurai. He is presently preparing to write the Japanese government’s language proficiency test. For George Aikido practice begins with the physical and martial aspects, and then moves to the spiritual dimension. For over thirty years George has shared his life in Aikido with his wife Gerry (nee Nishimura), who is herself a yodan (4th degree black belt).

Classes start Monday January 23!

Mondays & Wednesdays 6:45pm- 7:45pm
Sat mornings 10:30-11:30am