About Us

Our Past History
The past is what defines us now! We have a long history that started in Pre-World War II Japan and has extended down to current times.
For ease of understanding, we have broken history down to four parts; Early Aikido, Post WWII,  Developing Years and our Continued Growth as  Toronto Aikido. Please click on any of the links below for further information.

In the Beginning – Aikido:
Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. As a boy, he often saw local
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Yoshinkan Aikido  – The Growing Years:
The Aikido Yoshinkan Foundation was founded in 1955 by Gozo Shioda Sensei. Shioda Sensei’s style of Aikido is known as Yoshinkan, a name that he inherited from his father.
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Semeikan Aikido  – The Developing Years:
Established in 1985 as a member of the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation. Seimeikan’s Head Instructor was Mitsugoro Karasawa
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Toronto Aikido (Shunpukan) – Continued Growth:
In 2003 Karasawa Sensei decided he wished to retire. Plans were made to close the dojo! The student body was looking eagerly to continue the same level and style of training.
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Our Current Environment

Alan Shumak Sensei (Chief Instructor):
Alan Sensei started Aikido in 1991 with Karasawa Sensei in Scarborough. He achieved his 7th Dan in May 2022. He was the initial instructor for youth classes in the dojo. He remains as the longest training, active student of Karasawa Sensei. In 2003, he took over the daily management of the dojo with the support of Sensei and the senior student body. Alan Sensei serves as the main instructor at the Toronto Aikido Centre, and is present for almost all classes. He is and has been active in the past as a Scout Leader, Swim Official and Youth Softball Coached , in addition to running the dojo.

Other dojo instructors: