The Aikido Institute of Newfoundland has its origin in the aikido initiated in this province during the mid 1960’s by the late Graham Burt Sensei.
The Aikido Institute is affiliated with World Aikido Headquarters through its membership in the USAF (Eastern Region) and our immediate instructional line is Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (New York Aikikai). In recent years, Claude Berthiaume Shihan (Aikido de la Montagne, Montreal) has visited our dojo annually in order to conduct seminars and to grade senior students. Our chief instructor is Dermot McDonald Shihan.
Classes are comprised usually of about fifteen to twenty-five aikidoka, including a large number of yudansha. We have a diverse membership of men and women from all walks of life, Newfoundlanders and newcomers to Newfoundland, ranging in age from junior high school students to grandparents.
It is our conviction that aikido is first and foremost a martial art. We practice a firm aikikai style and adhere to the standards and requirements of the USAF (Eastern Region).
In our dojo there is a place for all who wish to practice and participate in the “Way of Aiki” as was the intention of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Each student is encouraged to practice regularly and sincerely with the goal of opening doors of learningand pursuing personal growth and development.
As you browse through our site you will learn more about us – our rich past, our exciting present and our promising future.