Our Instructors
All of the instructors at Aikido Shugyo Dojo are ranked through Aikido World Headquarters at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo and through the Canadian Aikido Federation. They have certification in basic CPR-First Aid and all have gone through a screening process to ensure the safety of all students. The instruction offered at Aikido Shugyo Dojo reflects our mission.
Dojo-cho and Chief Instructor
Gabriel (Gabe) DiMarco Sensei is a fifth dan black belt ranked through the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo and through the Canadian Aikido Federation. He is a Shidoin (a mentor/certified teacher) for the CAF dojos in Ontario.
Gabe Sensei started Aikido training in 1992 with the founder of our Dojo, Fran Turner Sensei. He had the opportunity to meet and learn from Kanshu Sunadomari Sensei (a war time live-in student of the Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba O’sensei) in Japan and regularly trained with Sunadomari Sensei’s long-time direct student Terumasa Hamada Sensei on his visits to Kumamoto before his passing. His strong weapons background is a result of intensive training with Stefan Barton Sensei (Golden Triangle Aikido).
Gabe Sensei also practices Tai Chi Chuan as a martial art and Archery. Outside of the martial arts, he has a background in auto racing.
Read the interview with Gabe sensei.
Assistant Instructors
Senior students at Aikido Shugyo Dojo share the teaching responsibilities.
Donald Young
Donald started at Aikido Shugyo Dojo in the fall of 2000 after trying one of the introductory classes. Two days later he signed up and has been training ever since. Donald teaches regularly and strives to foster a welcoming spirit.
Ayumi Mito Takahashi
Ayumi started her training in 2005 with Fran Turner Sensei and Gabe DiMarco Sensei at Aikido Shugyo Dojo. She studies the Shinseikai/Manseikan style of aikido under Aikido Shinseikai founded by Terumasa Hamada Sensei in Kumamoto. Ayumi was involved with baseball and softball for many years but found Aikido relates to her daily life in a positive and effective way.
Sumi Sato
Sumi started her Aikido training in 2006 at Aikido Shugyo Dojo with Fran Turner Sensei and Gabe DiMarco Sensei. Influenced by Clyde Takeguchi Shihan (Capital Aikikai) and Stefan Barton Sensei (Golden Triangle Aikido), she found that Aikido is not just learning about techniques but also making good harmony with others. Her teachings reflect this understanding.
Tim Machin
Tim started his Aikido training in the UK with the Ki Federation of Great Britain with Sensei Pete Bailey. He joined Aikido Shugyo Dojo in 2005. His primary instructors have been Fran Turner Sensei and Gabe DiMarco Sensei, though he has learned from everybody he has ever practiced with.