About Toronto Aikikai

Toronto Aikikai was established in 1974 to study, promote and provide instruction in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Toronto Aikikai is affiliated with the Shin Kaze Aikido Alliance (Shin Kaze), an organization of affiliated Aikido schools in Canada, the United States and the rest of the world, and through it, with the Aikikai Foundation, or Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. As of 2000, Toronto Aikikai also offers instruction in the martial art of Iaido. Classes at Toronto Aikikai are held seven days a week and are taught by highly qualified instructors.

The Chief Instructor is Robert Zimmermann Shihan, who holds the rank of Nanadan (7th degree black belt) and the title of Shihan (Master Instructor) in Aikido and the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Iaido. He studied under the direction of Mitsunari Kanai Shihan, 8th dan, Chief Instructor of New England Aikikai, Yukio Kawahara Shihan, 8th dan, Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation and Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8th dan, Chief Instructor of New York Aikikai. Kanai Shihan and Yamada Shihan were direct disciples of O-Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, and Kawahara Shihan was a direct disciple of Bansen Tanaka Shihan, a direct disciple of O-Sensei. Robert began practicing Aikido in 1967, and has trained and taught at seminars and training camps in Canada, the United States, Japan, Mexico, Central and South America, Israel and Europe. He is a Founding Member of Shin Kaze, a member of its Board of Directors and a member of its Technical Committee. He is also a former member of the Technical Committee of the United States Aikido Federation, a former member of the Board of Directors of the United States Aikido Federation, the Canadian Aikido Federation and the Ontario Aikido Federation.

Visitors are always welcome to watch and participate in Aikido or Iaido classes during any of the scheduled practice times. You can join Toronto Aikikai by simply seeing a member or the instructor, and filling out a brief form.