Y. Kawahara Shihan (8th dan)
August 14, 1940 - June 2, 2011
The MUN Aikido Club has existed for about 35 years. During that time it has benefitted from the teaching of many dedicated instructors. In particular, Leslie Mulholland (3rd dan) was chief instructor and responsible for the development of the club through the 80s while Al Skehen (4th dan), Shin Chin (now 4th dan, Shidoin) and Michael Langford (2nd dan) taught and inspired the club in the 90s.
Currently, Shin Chin and Ivan Booth (3rd dan) are the main instructors. Both practice in the tradition of Y. Kawahara Shihan (past Technical Director of the CAF). Together they have 50 years of experience in practicing and teaching Aikido.
Currently, Shin Chin and Ivan Booth (3rd dan) are the main instructors. Both practice in the tradition of Y. Kawahara Shihan (past Technical Director of the CAF). Together they have 50 years of experience in practicing and teaching Aikido.
We practice Aikikai Aikido and are affiliated to the Aikikai Foundation (headed by Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu) in Tokyo, Japan through the Canadian Aikido Federation (CAF). Our kyu grades are awarded under the authority of the CAF. Yudansha gradings are conducted either directly by the Technical Director of the CAF or by members of the Examination Committee. They are registered with Hombu Dojo in Japan.
paying CAF membership fees and (when possible) subsidizing the travel of Student Members to external seminars (in particular the Atlantic Canada Aikido Summer Camp). A small amount is also used to subsidize club social events.
Over the past decade we have hosted many seminars and benefitted from the teaching of many visiting instructors. In particular we have been very happy to host Yukio Kawahara Shihan (8th dan) and Yumi Nakamura (6th dan) several times each for weekend seminars. We have also been fortunate to host classes or seminars featuring teaching by Bill Collins (6th dan), Isshu Ishiyama (6th dan) , Hiroki Izumi (6th dan), Peter Maclean (5th dan), Derm McDonald (6th dan), Kevin McDonald (5th dan), Scott MacPhail (6th dan), and Fran Turner (6th dan).
Who are we?
MUN Aikido is a diverse community. A typical class is 30% female and 70% male, but it is not unusual to have equal numbers of men and women. Our group spans a wide range of ages from teenagers to visiting instructors who have been in their 70s and 80s. The majority of our members have some connection with Memorial University: undergraduate and graduate students along with faculty, staff and alumni. However our membership also includes people not affiliated with MUN at all including: high school students, post-secondary students from other institutions (such as the College of the North Atlantic) and other members of the general public. All are welcome.
MUN Aikido is a diverse community. A typical class is 30% female and 70% male, but it is not unusual to have equal numbers of men and women. Our group spans a wide range of ages from teenagers to visiting instructors who have been in their 70s and 80s. The majority of our members have some connection with Memorial University: undergraduate and graduate students along with faculty, staff and alumni. However our membership also includes people not affiliated with MUN at all including: high school students, post-secondary students from other institutions (such as the College of the North Atlantic) and other members of the general public. All are welcome.
