Canadian Aikido History

Takeshi Kimeda is credited with introducing Yoshinkan Aikido to Canada on his arrival in 1964 in Toronto, Ontario. Kimeda, presently ranked 7th dan, systematically built up a network of dojos in the Toronto, Hamilton and Windsor areas. This development was enhanced by the arrival of Mitsugoro Karasawa, now a 6th dan, in 1970.

Aikido Facts

Aikido was among the first martial arts freed from the ban imposed on their practice by the US government after World War II.

In some areas, Japanese police officers are required to hold at least a Shodan (black belt) in Aikido.

Aikido Background

Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as “the Way of unifying (with) life energy” or as “the Way of harmonious spirit.” Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Aikido Pros

Aikido is a good, viable self-defense. It is probably better for self-defense than any of the empty-hand martial arts that are commonplace including TKD, karate, hapkido, jujitsu, and judo. It has been reported that some old-school judo teachers have told their students that for real self-defense do aikido but for sport do judo.

Aikido Definition

The word “aikido” is made up of three Japanese characters: AI – harmony, KI – spirit, mind, or universal energy, DO – the Way. Thus aikido is “the Way of Harmony with Universal Energy.” However, AIKI may also be interpreted as “accommodation to circumstances.” This latter interpretation is somewhat non- standard, but it avoids certain undesirable metaphysical commitments and also epitomizes quite well both the physical and psychological facets of aikido.