Dear parents and students,

21st December, the first day of Winter!
It is still amazing how the passing year can still surprise, as it whizzes by. And what an eventful year it has been for our family. I do hope that it has been an amazing year for you and your family, too.

While we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Ueshiba Aikido, Victoria in 2024, classes actually began in the last couple of months of 2003. At the time, besides my daughter and son, there was only one student that I was sharing Aikido with; in a space at Royal Oak Middle School, rented from School District 63.

In March 2004, with the kind generosity of Mr. Brent Kelly, then the Principal of Gordon Head Elementary School where my daughter was studying, and my son was attending kindergarten, Aikido classes were offered as an extracurricular activity in the school. That went on for a while, even after Mr. Jason Jones, who was at Gordon Head Recreation Centre at the time, gave me the opportunity to offer Aikido classes at the recreation centre from September of 2004. Before this, at Commonwealth Recreation Centre, Dan Atagi had also given me the opportunity to organise an Aikido Summer Camp during the summer of 2004. We will always be grateful to Mr. Kelly and Gordon Head Elementary, and for the very warm, friendly, efficient, and wonderful team at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, Commonwealth, and Saanich who have looked after us over the years. Thank you. (Ueshiba Aikido Victoria Gallery)

Over the years, many students and families have come and gone. There are many fond memories, and at the peak, there were 12 Aikido classes scheduled per week. This did not include organising and running the annual summer camp(s), annual demonstration and potluck, and at one time, Pro-D Day Aikido Workshops. As my wife and I reflect on this, we aren't sure where all the energy came from, and where we found the time, too. We treasure all the students, the families, and the friendships that were formed over the years. Thank you.

As always, do feel free to connect with me if you have any questions about Aikido practice or the techniques. It is not the easiest martial art to understand or practice. However, with diligent practice, you will progress and improve; and the practice gets easier and more fun. The Kyu/Attendance Progress Cards list the dojo guidelines and the techniques that are required at each grade/belt level. Do browse and explore the Glossary on the website. (Ueshiba Aikido Victoria Glossary)

Aikido classes will resume on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. 
Here is the schedule for the Winter and Spring of 2024:

WINTER Cycle 1:
Tuesdays (8 classes)
5 pm : (# 108206) Youth Mixed Levels - Jan 9 to Feb 27, 2024
6 pm : (# 108205 ) Adult Mixed Levels - Jan 9 to Feb 27, 2024

Thursdays (8 classes)
5 pm : (# 108207) Youth Mixed Levels - Jan 11 to Feb 29, 2024
6 pm : (# 108204) Adult Mixed Levels - Jan 11 to Feb 29, 2024

WINTER Cycle 2:
Tuesdays (7 classes-No classes during Holy Week, Mar 25 to Mar 31)
5 pm : (# 108211) Youth Mixed Levels - Mar 5 to Apr 23, 2024
6 pm : (# 108210) Adult Mixed Levels - Mar 5 to Apr 23, 2024

Thursdays (7 classes-No classes during Holy Week, Mar 25 to Mar 31)
5 pm : (# 108209) Youth Mixed Levels - Mar 7 to Apr 25, 2024
6 pm : (# 108208) Adult Mixed Levels - Mar 7 to Apr 25, 2024

SPRING Cycle:
Tuesdays (7 classes)
5 pm : (# 108213) Youth Mixed Levels - Apr 30 to Jun 11, 2024
6 pm : (# 108212) Adult Mixed Levels - Apr 30 to Jun 11, 2024

Thursdays (7 classes)
5 pm : (# 108215) Youth Mixed Levels - May 2 to Jun 13, 2024
6 pm : (# 108214) Adult Mixed Levels - May 2 to Jun 13, 2024

Please click here to register.