Winnipeg Aikikai

Aikido Training - Safe, Strong & True

Aikido is a Japanese martial art, like judo or jiu-jitsu, that emphasizes turning your opponent's strength against them using throws, joint locks and submissions. Practise includes weapons training and disarms. We welcome everyone.

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 title of Dojo-cho to his student, Warren. Warren discovered Tom's dojo after years exploring various martial arts, recognizing the depth of the Aikido practice. Now a world-certified Yondan, Warren brings 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 strong.