Dr. Fred Haynes, 8th Dan: An internationally renowned instructor, Fred combines energetic presentation with fun and technical excellence. He presents Aikido as a mind-body connection that builds confidence and wellness along with self-defence. University trained in physical education, Fred additionally graduated from the professional Aikido instructors' course in Tokyo. His training in Japan under Shioda Gozo provided a rich depth of knowledge and understanding of techniques. He received 1st place at the International All Japan Demonstration along with Robert Mustard and Alister Thomson in 1988. He has taught extensively across Brazil, Europe, USA and Canada. See more under Aikido History.

Above: Instructor Fred Haynes and Mark Baker in Tokyo demonstration with Soke Gozo Shioda.

Jim Kightley, 6th Dan has trained in aikido since 1984, studying with Japanese, Canadian and British instructors. Jim and Wendy Seward were instructors at the Waterloo Yoshinkan Aikido club as well as training with Fred in Georgetown Ontario during the early 1990s, before moving to British Columbia. Jim was one of the founder instructors of Island Aikido and brings many years of experience in teaching and technical development of Aikido.

Above:(Left) Instructor Jim Kightley throws an uke
(Right) Former instructor Wendy Seward prepares to throw her partner

Judith Berman, 5th Dan joined our club in 2011 after training extensively with Utada Sensei in Philadephia, as well as Ann Arbor and Port Townsend. She began her aikido career in 1980 and has many years of experience teaching Aikido.

Above: (Left) Instructor Judith uses Heaven and Earth throw
(Right) Instructor Randy applies Elbow Breath throw

Randy Feuerriegel, 3rd Dan started his Aikido experience in 2004 with the Island Aikido introductory course and is one of many students who have achieved black belt ranking through training with the club.

Andrew McBride, 6th Dan - Regular visiting instructor. Andrew started Aikido with Haynes Sensei at the Royal Military College, Kingston in 1995. He is internationally renowned, having taught throughout North America and worldwide (Brazil, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey). Andrew completed the 19th Senshusei AYI instructors course in Tokyo, Japan, received special recognition at the International All Yoshinkan Demonstration in 2014, and the top Uke award in 2015. He was the Chief Foreign Instructor at the SIAF Headquarters for two years before returning to BC in late 2017. Andrew teaches at several dojos in BC and ON as well as on global tours.