Aikido Hokuryukai has been active in the Greater Toronto Area for more than 20 years, teaching Aikido as a pathway to self-fulfillment through martial arts. “Hoku-ryu-kai” literally means “Northern Dragon Association.” It commemorates the “Dragon Spirit” that O-Sensei spoke of as having profound influence on his martial art.
Our dojo is a member of the Ontario Aikido Federation which is a part of the Canadian Aikido Federation. Aikido Hokuryukai is affiliated with the Aikikai / Hombu in Tokyo, Japan, which was established by the Founder of Aikido and is the largest Aikido organization in the world.
Aikido Hokuryukai Instructors
Chief instructor Jim Barnes, 6th dan black belt, has 40 years of experience in Aikido. He is a past president of the Canadian Aikido Federation and is a CAF shihan (master instructor). Yumi Nakamura is a 7th dan black belt, a shihan and has more than 40 years of Aikido experience, starting in Japan. Both Yumi and Jim are members of the CAF Examination Committee, reporting directly to the CAF Technical Director, Hayato Osawa-Shihan, 8th dan from Hombu (headquarters) dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Associate instructors Tom Lindsey (4th dan), Igor Sitartchouk, Vadim Katcherovski and Moises Rincon (3d dan) and Aubrie Appel (2nd dan) teach under the supervision of Jim and Yumi.
Yumi Nakamura Sensei
Our Students
Membership in our dojo is open to anyone who has a sincere desire to learn, has no health problems that would interfere with — or be worsened by — practice and is prepared to observe the dojo rules and regulations. Over the years we have had students coming to our dojo from all over the GTA: Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Maple, King City, Scarborough, Markham, Mississauga and other communities. We offer both Adult and Children’s (5 to 14 years old) classes for the beginners and advanced martial arts practitioners. Classes in the use of Aikido weapons – the jo (short staff) and bokken (wooden practice sword) are also held.
