Halifax Aikikai

Welcome to the web page of Halifax's Aikido Club

Halifax Aikikai Links

Aikido is a relatively modern martial art that brings together techniques of traditional Japanese swordsmanship (ken jitsu) and unarmed combat (ju-jitsu). The modern sports of Kendo and Judo grew out of each of these traditions respectively. Aikido, as well as blending the two traditions, is non-competitive and seeks to develop what can be loosely described as a "win win" philosophy of conflict resolution. This reflects the insights and teachings of Aikido's founder Moriohei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher) within Aikido circles.

Information about how we practice, from both a philosophical and a nitty gritty practical point of view is available in our on-line Information Brochure

A more detailed description of the history of Aikido can be found here. Please use your browsers' "Back" button to return to this page.

We train in the gymnasium of the Abbey Lane Hospital, located at 5909 Jubilee Rd. in Halifax. The hospital is part of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. Entry to the Abbey Lane is off Jubilee Rd.

The gym is on the 4th floor. Take the elevator, located to the right of the reception desk at the entry to the 4th floor. Turn left when you exit the elevator and you are facing the gym doors at the end of the corridor. (You can also ask the commissionaire on duty in the entry way for directions to the gym.)

Usually there is parking available in the "Visitors and Out-patients" parking area to the right of the main doors. If this is full there is street parking on Summer St (free after 6pm.).

The Abbey Lane Hospital is walking distance from downtown Halifax. Here is a Street Map for those of you with graphics capable browsers.

Metro transit can explain how to use the city's bus system to get to the dojo from where you are. Simply call them at (902) 490 6600 and tell them you want to get to the Abbey Lane Hospital. Bus fare from anywhere in the super city (Halifax, Dartmouth, and Bedford) is $1.35 exact change.

On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings we practice from 6 pm. until 8 pm. in two classes. On Saturdays there is a practice from 12 pm. to 2 pm.

We share the gym with other users and so have to put down and take up our mats for each practice. When the gym is free we generally put the mats down at least 30 minutes before class and people warm up individually. The first class begins with a group warm up starting at 6 pm SHARP. Typically the first class is geared to a lower skill level than the second class. The second class on Friday's usually focuses on weapons practice.

We maintain a phone line and answering machine at: (902) 4??-????.

In general we try to return messages left on the machine within 24 hours.

We are happy to receive E-MAIL from this page or at: ag280@chebucto.ns.ca

Our postal address is:

Halifax Aikikai is a part of both the Canadian Aikido Federation and the Nova Scotia Aikido Federation. We practice following the direction of Shihan Kawahara

Visiting Aikidoka are always welcome. Please introduce yourself to the instructor prior to the beginning of class, or call or E-MAIL ahead and let us know you are coming. We will be happy to help you in any way that we can.

There are active Aikido dojos in Antigonish and Wolfville.

Information about the dojos in Antigonish is available from the ???? Web Site. There you will find practice times, locations and contact numbers.

The dojo in Wolfville is under the direction of David Humphrey. he can be reached at 542 ????, or via e-mail at ??????.

• Frequently asked questions about Aikido from Norway.
• Lots more Aikido related info
• Graham Fraser working on his ukemi prior to his return to Halifax from Reading
• Frequently asked Sword Questions
• Frequently asked Stretching Questions
• Frequently asked Backrub questions
• Kjartan's main Budo FAQ page, taihen omoshiroi desu
• Stockholm Aikido Club Iwama-ryu (access can be annoying)
• Sand Drift Dojo Homepage

• Judo Nova Scotia
• Atlantic Karate Club
• Yang Style Tai Chi

Please sent feedback, comments, questions or suggestions toag280@chebucto.ns.ca