Members

Aikido:

(Click Image for Biography)

Vincent Herring - Started in 2007.

“Aikido has interested me since childhood, and of all the martial arts, it is one of the most beautiful. I am currently interested in ethical self-defnese and policing/ controlling techniques. I am also pursuing using aiki training as a tool for self improvement in everyday life and personal relationships.”

Scott Crawford – Started 1995; 2nd dan

“I had always wanted to study a martial art, and I “shopped around” at several dojo until I found Aikido. At the time, it seemed like the essence of cool to me – to control your attacker with a minimum of effort. At first, I learned that I was completely wrong! You don’t control your attacker, you connect with them and control yourself (Alas,”minimum of effort” was misleading – this stuff, although not about physical strength, is hard!) Since then, I have never stopped learning and discovering new things. That’s what keeps me coming back year after year. Plus, it’s just a whole lot of fun! (Plus about a dozen other great reasons…)”

Aikido: Child/ Adult Class

The Turner Family

Andrea, Colin & James

” We have looked for some time to find a martial art  that is family friendly and is suited to who we are. We like the fact we do not compete, that we only train to make ourselves better people. Aikido is a peaceful defense we want our son to know and understand. Colin says it’s fun and he enjoys it as a release of energy and it calms him down. “

Group Photos:

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T’ai Chi Ch’uan:

Profiles:

Joel Fant - “I thought this would be easy. I’ve enjoyed being wrong ever since. It’s nice to still get those ‘a-ha!’ moments upon reaching each little understanding of the principles of taijiquan. The health benefits are only the beginning, but they’re no magic pill. Diligent effort is a necessity, like regular moderate deposits into a savings account.”

Kieron Mitchell -  “I’ve been in Tai-Chi since October 2006.  But instead of a black-belt (which, of course, there is no such thing for Tai-Chi anyway), I’M STILL WORKING ON THE FIRST FORM. No joke, I don’t know it yet. The last few moves, at least, and we are still going over the basics in class.

That’s one of the big differences between internal and external martial arts. External martial arts show results quickly. Internal takes YEARS to show progress. Oh well, it’s probably about the journey or something.”

Jodo :

Evelyn Dysarz “Jodo complements Aikido, as both are about distance and timing.  Trying to keep a good forward energy, good focus, and good form and posture can be very engrossing.  All jodo we practice are kata and I am continually impressed by the excellent posture required. Good for backs, core, legs and shoulders. I’m a second degree black belt now.  We go to Guelph, near Toronto, for workshops and testing.”