Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy against them, rather than relying on brute strength. It emphasizes fluid, circular movements to blend with and redirect an attacker's force, often resulting in throws or joint locks. Aikido is not just a powerful physical martial art, and self defence, but also a spiritual journey aiming for harmony of the mind, body, and spirit.
Aikido Seishinkan is located in the warehouse district of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The dojo has a traditional feel that lends itself to the proper state of mind one strives for in the training of traditional Japanese martial arts. The dojo provides a unique space to challenge and strengthen yourself both physically and mentally. The training is always practiced in a positive, respectful manner with an emphasis on avoiding injury. The training area is over a thousand square feet of tatami mat with a traditional atmosphere not commonly found in martial arts schools today. It is a welcoming place where all people, of all ages and ability levels, are able to learn and progress in a positive, encouraging atmosphere.
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), commonly known as O'Sensei or "Great Teacher," was the distinguished founder of Aikido which is a martial art that stands apart due to its unique approach to movement and energy. Born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Ueshiba's extensive training in various martial disciplines culminated in the creation of Aikido—a discipline emphasizing the understanding of life energy (ki) and fluid technique. His teachings, which go beyond physical prowess, have left an enduring legacy, resonating with practitioners worldwide.
Yukio Kawahara-shihan was a vital force in Canadian Aikido for many years. During his 36-year career in this country, Sensei undertook a heavy, nation-wide teaching schedule and was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Aikido Federation as a strong, national organization. Ranked as 8th dan, he was Hombu Dojo’s official representative
Yukio Kawahara-shihan was a vital force in Canadian Aikido for many years. During his 36-year career in this country, Sensei undertook a heavy, nation-wide teaching schedule and was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Aikido Federation as a strong, national organization. Ranked as 8th dan, he was Hombu Dojo’s official representative in Canada.
Born in 1940 in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, Sensei trained in various martial arts in his youth. He began his Aikido career at the age of 17 in Osaka as an uchideshi (personal student) of Bansen Tanaka-shihan, a prominent early disciple of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei.
Sensei served as assistant instructor at Osaka Aikikai from the early 1960s to 1972. O-Sensei would often visit Osaka for long periods during this time, when Sensei had regular, personal experience of O-Sensei’s teaching.
In 1972, he went to Taiwan to serve as chief instructor at Taiwan Aikikai, an assignment he much enjoyed. However, as a consequence of political disagreement at the national level between Japan and Taiwan, he was forced to return to Japan in 1973.
In Osaka once again, he served as a senior instructor at Osaka Aikikai as well as teaching at various dojos in the area including university dojos. He was also chief instructor at Okayama Aikikai.
Invited to Montreal in 1975, he taught at Aikido Kensankai and began a long career of teaching seminars across Canada and the U.S.A. In 1977,
In Osaka once again, he served as a senior instructor at Osaka Aikikai as well as teaching at various dojos in the area including university dojos. He was also chief instructor at Okayama Aikikai.
Invited to Montreal in 1975, he taught at Aikido Kensankai and began a long career of teaching seminars across Canada and the U.S.A. In 1977, he moved to Vancouver, B.C., and became chief instructor at Vancouver Aikikai.
He worked tirelessly to spread Aikido throughout Western Canada, also teaching in the eastern part of the country and instructing at seminars in the U.S.A., Japan, Europe and Mexico. The participants well remember his powerful technique, his traditional view of Aikido and his intense focus on correct practice of basics.
Sensei was responsible for creating the annual B.C. summer camp, which debuted in 1979. As a highlight of the Canadian Aikido calendar, it routinely drew participants from across Canada, North America and internationally. Over the years, many notable senior shihan taught at this camp, including the Aikido Doshu (leader), Moriteru Ueshiba, the Founder’s grandson.
Sensei served as the first technical director of the B.C. Aikido Federation and in 2005 was named the Canadian Aikido Federation’s first technical director. He was also a member of the North American Shihankai, an organization composed of several of the most senior international Aikido instructors.
Despite becoming ill with cancer early
Sensei served as the first technical director of the B.C. Aikido Federation and in 2005 was named the Canadian Aikido Federation’s first technical director. He was also a member of the North American Shihankai, an organization composed of several of the most senior international Aikido instructors.
Despite becoming ill with cancer early in the decade, he persisted with an active teaching schedule and in his efforts to strengthen the CAF. He expressed great determination to be present at the 2011 B.C. summer camp, but unfortunately, it was not to be. He passed away in Victoria on June 2, 2011, surrounded by loyal and affectionate students.
A sign of his great generosity and dedication to Aikido in Canada was a large bequest to a trust fund intended to help in further improving technical standards in Canadian Aikido.
Kawahara-shihan had an encyclopedic knowledge of martial arts. He was a deeply private man who had little interest in celebrity or ceremony. His Aikido was for his students, and he taught them as a mentor, with great attention and patience.
He is deeply missed by the Canadian Aikido community, which now faces the challenge of continuing his Aikido legacy.
The Head Instructor of Aikido Seishinkan is Virgil Lea Sensei (3rd Dan). Lea Sensei first began training martial arts in 1994, and began his Aikido training in the spring of 1996 under Hiroaki Izumi Sensei (5th Dan). Lea Sensei continued his training as a principle student and assistant instructor under Izumi Sensei until 2002. From the beginning of his training Lea Sensei was heavily influenced by the techniques and teachings of Yukio Kawahara Shihan (8th Dan). Kawahara Shihan was Izumi Sensei's teacher, as well as the technical director of the Canadian Aikido Federation, and Official representative of Aikido Hombu Dojo (world headquarters) for Canada. Hombu Dojo is located in Tokyo, Japan.
When Lea Sensei opened the Aikido Seishinkan dojo in the spring of 2003, he became a direct student of Kawahara Shihan until his passing in 2011. Lea Sensei has nearly thirty years of martial arts training and teaching experience. He has remained dedicated to furthering both his student's understanding of Aikido and its principles, as well as his own; continuous improvement always being top of mind. His teaching emphasizes strong basics, precision, and balanced movement. Lea Sensei teaches Aikido as a path to overall self improvement, but also as an effective and powerful combative style. His techniques are effective and very applicable to present day situations.
1. Physical Fitness: It helps improve balance, flexibility, and overall physical fitness in a fun, active environment.
2. Self-Defense: It teaches effective self-defense techniques, but in a way that promotes peaceful resolution of conflicts.
3. Discipline and Respect: Aikido instructs children on the importance of discipline, respect for others, and self-control.
4. Confidence: As children progress and master new skills, they gain confidence in their abilities.
5. Social Skills: Training often involves partnering with others, which can enhance teamwork and communication skills.
6. Stress Relief: Physical activity like Aikido can help children manage stress and anxiety.
7. Focus and Concentration: The practice encourages children to focus on their movements and breathing, which can improve attention span and concentration.
Ages 15+
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Ages 6 -14
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