Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes turning your opponent's strength against them using throws, joint locks and submissions. Practise includes weapons training and disarms. Size and stength are not factors. Come and get your SAMURAI on!
Winnipeg Aikikai joined the Winnipeg martial arts community in 1982 when Bernard Viau began giving classes at the University of Winnipeg. Aikido practise was very basic until a student, Tom Czyczko, invited Kawahara Shihan to visit Winnipeg. In 1990, Tom moved to Vancouver and trained directly under Kawahara Shihan where he obtained his Shodan. In 1991 Tom moved to Tokyo and trained at the Aikikai World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, for 5 years. He took instruction from Ni-Dai Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru, son of the founder of Aikido, and other legendary instructors. Tom returned to Winnipeg to instruct.
In 2012, Tom passed the torch to his dedicated student, Warren Bard, who proudly stepped into the role of Dojo-cho. Warren discovered Tom's dojo after years exploring various martial arts, recognizing the depth of the Aikido practice. Now a world-certified Yondan (4th-degree black belt), Warren brings over two decades of experience to the mat, including training at Hombu Dojo, Tokyo. His commitment to continuous learning and refinement ensures that the spirit and technique of Aikido remain vibrant for every student who steps on the mats.
When Tom left Hombu Dojo he was presented this gift from Kisshomaru Doshu, son of the founder of Aikido.
We are the only Manitoba member dojo of the Canadian Aikido Federation, the Canada wide organization dedicated to Aikikai Aikido.
The Aikikai is the original school of Aikido. It is the center of the Aikikai Foundation.