Norine Longmire, Chief Instructor, is a 5th degree black belt. She holds the title of Shidoin (Senior Instructor). Norine Sensei began her training in 1990 with Kawahara Sensei in Vancouver BC under the Canadian Aikido Federation. She joined T.K. Chiba Shihan's organization, Birankai in 2007. Norine Sensei leads the Youth Program and teaches body arts and weapons classes. She shares the teaching of Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido (art of drawing the sword) with Charles Sensei. Norine is a professional yoga instructor and holds ongoing classes and workshops in Mission and Abbotsford.

Charles Aarons, Technical Director, is a 6th degree black belt, Shidoin (Senior Insructor), Dojo Founder. Charles Sensei began training in 1971 in Toronto with Bruce Stiles Sensei. Later he trained in California with Clem Yoshida Sensei before becoming T.K. Chiba Shihan's student. Charles Sensei focuses on technical and martial aspects in training. He teaches classes in aikido and Iaido and aids in the Youth classes. He also hold a black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. He is a professional musician and volunteers regularly at the local hospice. 

Mark Goudsblom, Assistant Instructor, is a 2nd degree black belt. Mark holds the title of Fuku Shidoin (instructor) He began aikido in 2009 with Charles Sensei and travels with his senseis regularly to seminars for continued learning and training opportunities. Mark co-teaches the Youth program and leads Monday evening classes. His youthful exuberance and enthusiasm for aikido draws in youth and adults alike. His eye for detail and compassion make him a wonderful instructor. 

Youth classes ages 8-14 year welcome all children. Small classes offer personal attention for your child.

Aikido Takayama is a member dojo of Birankai North America and Birankai Canada, affiliated with Aikikai Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Our Birankai International organization was founded by T.K. Chiba Shihan, an original student of Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei. 

Aikido Takayama's training programs are led by Birankai Certified Instructors. Our instructors represent nearly 100 years of aikido experience. Our strong core of students offers a sense of community and camaraderie from years of training together. We offer a welcoming spirit to all new members. 

Our instructors are certified through Birankai and ranks are recognized at Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan. 

OUR DOJO'S MISSION

• Offer aikido empty hand & weapons training and iaido as our teachers direct us
• Welcoming environment to all members of the community
• Train with rigor, commitment, respectfullness and responsibly 
• Ongoing teacher & student development thru seminars in the larger aikido community
• Present no pressure for belt or rank achievement
• Community involvement through demonstrations and regular open houses. IE: family day!