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

Instructors

Anthony Hind, 6th 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 foreigner to both live at Hombu Dojo and receive direct training from the Founder’s son and successor Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba and was honored 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.

Grant Babin, 4th Dan

Originally from Quebec, has been practicing Aikido for over 20 Years and teaching for 10. Studied under Micheal Saint Germain Sensei 5th dan, for 20 years and Tony Hind Sensei 6th dan, for 15. Currently the head instructor at Aikidaily International Academy in Squamish, BC.

Before moving to Squamish, he lived in Tokyo studied intensively at the Aikikai World Headquarters under some of the best teachers in the world. He had the fortune of working for Pacific Aikido and taught school children; ages 5 to 18, daily with a very successful after school program which had approximately 200 kids in it at the time.

He studied Agriculture at UFV in Chilliwack and is interested in sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency and healthy communities. He is also interested in personal development which includes the study of chi gong, tai chi, yoga, permaculture, and the application of aikido principles in daily life, just to name a few.

Despite a full teaching schedule at his own club in Squamish five days a week and teaching at the Downtown Vancouver Aikikai Saturdays, he continues to actively train in Vancouver with Tony Hind Sensei, 6th dan, attends seminars and camps and travels in and out of the country to receive more instruction from some of the top teachers in the world.