Alister began Aikido in 1974. He trained under Shioda Sensei at the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan between 1985-1987. He graduated from a 9 month, full-time instructor's course (with the Tokyo Riot Police) in 1986. Alister was the joint winner of the award for best demonstration at the 1987 All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration, the first time this was achieved by a non-Japanese group.

Mark Handley-Derry, 2nd Dan

   Mark began Aikido in 1982. He introduced Yoshinkan Aikido to Kingston, Ontario in 1988. Mark also hosted Chida Sensei's visit to Kingston.

Phil Soffe, 2nd Dan

   Phil started training in Aikido in 1990. He successfully completed the Yoshinkan Instructor's course at the Honbu Dojo for international instructors in 1991, and has trained at the Minoru dojo since 1998.

Josh Hehner, 2nd Dan

   Josh has been studying Aikido since 1995, and has extensive experience in teaching, particularly experiential and outdoor education, and a variety of kinesthetic arts including rock climbing, gymnastics, juggling and graphic design. Josh works as a Paramedic for Toronto's Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Alistair Sumner, 2nd Dan

   Alistair began aikido training in 1994, and also holds shodan rank in Shotokan Karate. He enjoys teaching, and has instructed programs for women and children. Alistair likes the sense of balance given by aikido and believes that constant practise in aikido helps create compassion and happiness.

John Sallenave, 2nd Dan

   John began training in Aikido in 1998, and has strived to incorporate the philosophy behind Aikido into all facets of his life. John loves to teach, having extensive experience in a variety of educational fields, and he brings this passion to teaching and organizing classes as well as to the further development of Aikido pedagogy. John's future plans include starting up a Yoshinkan Aikido club in northern Spain.

Huw David, 2nd Dan

   Huw started training in Aikido in 1993 and over the years has had the privilege of calling several dojos in Ontario home. He has trained intermittently at the Shinseikan since 1999, and full-time since 2003. Huw enjoys the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training and seeks to follow the path of aikido as a practical method of self-defense.

Clint Lau, 2nd Dan

   Clint began Aikido in 1993 at the University of Western Ontario and has trained in various dojos across southern Ontario. In 2001 he joined the Shinseikan and earned his shodan the following year. A teacher by profession, he strives to continually expand his knowledge in all fields and to impress upon his students the drive to excel in all endeavors.