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28 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, March 31, 2011 HEALTHY LIVING Georgetown Aikido celebrates 20 years of fun and fitness Georgetown Aikido is marking its 20th anniversary in Georgetown this year. The doors of the dojo (school) opened in September 1990, by the four founding members: Sensei Alister Thomson, Sensei Fred Haynes, Sensei Jim Stewart, and Sensei Gordon Blanking. The Japanese name of the school is Seidokan Dojo. It is a registered member of the IYAF (International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Seidokan Dojo originally started in the Stewarttown Middle School and then moved to an industrial unit on Armstrong Ave before settling on the second floor of Memorial Arena. Today, the facility is recognized as one of the finest of its kind in North America. Over the years there have been changes with people moving away but they have continued to open new dojos across Canada. For instance, Sensei Fred Haynes is now living in and running a dojo in British Columbia while Sensei Alister Thomson is living and running a dojo in Nova Scotia. Over the 20 years there have been many students of Seidokan Dojo who have advanced to black belt levels from 1st dan, through to 7th dan. At present, Seidokan Dojo has over 250 years combined Aikido experience when you consider all the dan level instructors. The Georgetown dojo is currently run by a board of directors with the above ranked black belts teaching classes. This means that new students receive one-on-one teaching with a black belt instructor. Sensei Jim Stewart is still instructing at the dojo and is now a 7th degree black belt and has recently been given the title "Shihan" which means teacher of teachin St. Paul, Minnesota. Another vibrant group in the dojo is the Aikido Kids Program. Kids and teens from age 6 to 14 enjoy structured training in Aikido techniques and cooperative games to develop valuable life skills, including discipline, cooperation, leadership and confidence. It's also a great chance to meet new friends. While it is the hope of the instructors at the Seidokan Dojo that training be fun, promote fitness, and encourage a healthy outlook on life; it has also been about encouraging individuals to train in a Japanese martial art that provides a powerful means of self-defence. Seidokan Dojo hope to continue learning, training, and having fun for another 20 years or more in Georgetown. If you have an interest in self-defence using techniques that enable the gentle to overcome the strong; based on natural movements and harmony of Shihan Jim Stewart Sensei (right) presents Eldon Sprickerhoff (left) with his Black Belt certificate after his recent test. ers. A high honour indeed and yes, he also teaches one-on-one with new students. Sensei from across Canada come back "home" to teach whenever they are able; and that Georgetown Aikido host, as often as possible, instructors from Japan and other countries. The dojo's instructors and students also travel abroad to teach and learn. Several members have just returned from Japan where they attended a worldwide gathering of Aikido instructors and students and next month they're off to a teaching and training session Healthy Living . . . 905.873.8729 71 Mountainview Rd. N. Georgetown, ON GEORGETOWN GEO RGETOWN FITNESS BOOT CAMP As low as Georgetown's ORIGINAL and a class $ #1 fat loss program Expect these RESULTS: Julia Fountain · Naturopathic Doctor Amelia Fratnik · Chiropractor Carol Fantin · Reg. Massage Therapist 5.00 Upcoming Events April 2011 SUNDAY, APRIL 3 ~ 1-4 PM Meditation for your best life ever with Chantal Garneau WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 7:30-9:00 PM Healthy boxed lunches, Cooking class with chef Jenny Allen BOOK YOURS TODAY One-On-One Spring Skin Clinic with esthetician Tami Mollison For more info on services & on-line registration please visit: We've Moved! to 3-5% Reduction in Body Fat 5-12 Pounds of Weight Loss 1-3" decrease in your midsection (minimum) 100% Gain in Energy + Self Confidence! No Contracts - Just a Commitment to your Health NO MATTER YOUR AGE, SIZE OR FITNESS LEVEL, YOU CAN ACHIEVE GREAT RESULTS. 256 Main Street South * Arthritis * Car Accident Injuries * Sports Injuries BAYNES PHYSIOTHERAPY GEORGETOWN 647-988-4237 · georgetownfitnessbootcamp.com 905-873-4964 Baynes for your pains. www.healthspan.ca