Downtown Vancouver Aikikai, previously know as English Bay Aikikai and led by Michael Saint Germain Sensei, was handed over to Tony Hind Sensei in July 2019, after Saint Germain Sensei relocated to Toronto Ont. The dojo and its practitioners are proud to be members of the Canadian Aikido Association.

Lead Instructor

Anthony Hind Shihan, 7th Dan

Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Association and Chief Instructor of East Van Aikikai and Downtown Vancouver Aikikai.

Originally from Vancouver Aikikai, Tony attended the first B.C. Summer Camp in New Denver, B.C. as a teenager in 1979, and later became the only Canadian, and one of only a handful of foreigners to live at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo (Oct 90-Feb 92).

He was the last foreign kenshusei to both live at Hombu Dojo and receive direct training from the Founder’s son and successor Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba and was honoured to be chosen to assist Kisshomaru Doshu in demonstrations both in and outside of Hombu Dojo. While living in Japan, Tony also took ukemi for Osawa Sensei (Senior) during his Thursday morning class. Tony was humbled to practice as a training partner with Tamura, Yamada, Chiba, Sugano and Shibata Senseis and most of the current younger Hombu Shihan during Doshu and Osawa Senseis’ classes. He also travelled to Iwama to clean and help prepare for the Aiki Taisai (Aiki Shrine Festival) held every April 29th to commemorate the Founder’s passing, and during his overnight stay there, practiced twice at private classes taught by Saito Sensei (Senior) to his senior students and Hombu Shihan.

Tony participated in the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration as Uke for Miyamoto (May 92 & 96) & Fujita (May 95) Shihans, and has assisted at the All-Japan Children’s Aikido Training Meet at the Budokan. He travelled overseas accompanying the current Doshu as well as other Hombu Shihan, including Yamada, Masuda, Ichihashi, Fujita and Miyamoto Senseis. At the request of Hombu Dojo, Tony appeared on television, in magazines and was a guest speaker on a radio station. Tony founded and for over twenty years taught at seven Aikido dojos in Tokyo and Yokohama. He also taught Canadian Embassy and military personnel at private classes in Shinjuku, in addition to instructing American military and FBI personnel at the U.S. Embassy compound in Tokyo.

As a Canadian, Tony considers himself very honored to have never been required to test for kyu or dan ranks. Tony received by recommendation all of his shodan through sixth Dan promotions directly from Kisshomaru Doshu or the current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba.