Mountain Coast Aikikai

Mountain Coast Aikikai is a non-commercial martial art school dedicated to the study and practice of Aikido, as transmitted by the senior direct disciples of Aikido Founder, Ueshiba Morihei. 

Mountain Coast Aikikai was formed in 1991 by Mr. Jobe Groot, 5th dan, Shidoin and is located in Vancouver,  British Columbia, Canada.  

Mountain Coast Aikikai is affiliated with Birankai International and Birankai North America, founded by T.K. Chiba, Shihan.  Birankai is recognized by, and affiliated with, Aikikai Foundation - Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.

The dojo provides a dynamic, knowledgeable and safe environment for the serious study of Aikido, integrated movement, mind/body fitness and self-defense, offering instruction in taijutsu (body arts), bukiwaza (weapons training ), including bokken (wooden sword) and jo (wooden staff), as well as basic instruction in  Zazen (Zen Buddhist meditation).

In addition to a regular schedule of classes and internal seminars, Mountain Coast Aikikai hosts periodic seminars and training intensives with guest instructors.  Please see the events page for information on upcoming events of interest.

Our Mission

The mission of the Mountain Coast Aikikai is to promote an understanding and direct experience of martial art training - specifically Aikido - as a vehicle for development of personal martial-awareness, self-defense skills, personal growth and transformation.  Aikido incorporates training in self-defense techniques, self-discipline, personal- and martial-awareness, and techniques of mind/body integration, to help individuals prepare themselves to serve and contribute to the life of the communities in which they live.

Instruction is provided at all levels - novice, intermediate and advanced.  Aikido training at Mountain Coast Aikikai is offered in a semi-traditional Japanese dojo environment.  Participants learn to embody the principles of Aikido in a dynamic, energetic, focused and non-competitive atmosphere.

Our Membership

Mountain Coast Aikikai draws its membership primarily from the communities of the British Columbia Lower Mainland region. The dojo has touched the lives of many people locally, as well as farther abroad. 

Membership in the dojo is open to sincere persons, regardless of level of experience, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, or age. 

Prospective members are welcome to visit the dojo to observe a class. 
Please contact us in advance of your visit to the dojo, so that we may expect you.