Toronto Aikido Centre and Aikido History

2003 - Present

Toronto Aikido Centre

Unfortunately in 2003 Karasawa Sensei decided he wished to retire. Plans were made to close the Seimeikan Dojo. The student body was looking eager to continue the same level and style of training as before. An appeal was made to Karasawa Sensei  and at the last minute, he was won over by the students zest to continue. He turned over the day to day management to Alan Shumak, Fourth Dan, one of his longest training students. Karasawa Sensei continued on teaching whenever possible, and maintained a regular presence.

With a new name, but the same location and student body, the dojo has continued on in much the same fashion as before. Toronto Aikido Centre was born. It's Japanese name is Shunpukan, which translates as "The place of the Spring Breeze". The name was bestowed on the dojo by Karasawa Sensei who felt that the new dojo would be revitalized by the breeze of new challenges and fresh ideas.