It is in the functional institutions of society that teaches our children how to "be" in the world. With the diversity of opinion amongst the who and how this will get done leaves us with much unnecessary conflict.
Aikido Canada focus is on the relationship between two people, not two rivals. Assisting conflict in finding a natural resolution rather than forcing ones own opinions on another. Giving the practitioner the freedom to build their own image of themselves with the confidence and personal perspective that only he or she can have.
I have always believed, If you want to be a certain way in your life, you need to surround yourself with the people you most want to be like.
I have been attending the Chudokan for over 18 years and I travel from Michigan to do it. There are closer aikido dojos to my home but I continue to put up with the hassle of border-crossing because I know I will have the ultimate experience at the Chudokan. The instructor, Kevin Blok is the quintessential martial arts instruction, always looking for ways to improve his students physically, mentally and spiritually. The focus of the dojo is self-improvement and the atmosphere is challenging yet friendly and supportive - without the macho bolgna often present in a martial arts dojo. I cannot reccommend this dojo and this instructor enough. It has changed my life!
Sensei Kevin Blok is probably the highest ranked Yoshinkai Aikido instructor in Canada. Yoshinkan Aikido in turn is one of the most practical styles of Aikido, it is the martial art taught to Tokyo riot police in Japan.
I move all over the world and train whereever I happen to live. And this is the most welcoming dojo I've seen so far. Great atmosphere, great instructors. The people I train with here become my extended family.
All the instructors are very talented, friendly, knowlegable and quick to help you. The facility is large, clean and well kept. There is free off-street parking and spacious changerooms and showers. The fees are some of the least expensive around and they offer classes day and evenings as well as weekends for men, women, children and the whole family. They constantly have other activities outside of the school and bring in many interesting and fun special guests. It is very much like a family community there. Fantastic place
Martial arts training for everyone, not just the young.
This facility is located along a major bus route, has good access for parking and provides classes over a number of days and time slots. There are good sized change room and even showers for the serious students. Adults and children are welcome and the children's classes are very well attended.
Aikido training provides more than just self-defence and physical fitness. The focus of this school is to teach martial training for use in your daily life, in areas of personal respect, confidence building, self-esteem in your inter-personal relationships such as work and in the community and greater tolerance for new ideas and concepts you may encounter every day.
Combine this with a social focus on outside activities for its members and you've got a product that any other gym or fitness center could not hope to offer.
