The art of Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu first originated amongst members of the Aizu clan. These clan members were a part of the Japanese samurai who were responsible for defending the life of the Shogun (military dictator). Some modern Japanese and Korean arts such as Judo, Aikido and Hapkido can trace at least part of their lineage back to this classical martial arts system.

   The art itself involves joint locks, pressure points, kicks, punches, take downs, throws and weapons. However, this is simply not just a method to train the body to become a fighting machine. There are many gentle aspects which are of equal importance; protical, healing arts, tea ceremony, caligraphy, etc. Daito Ryu is an education for the spirit and the body.

   Due to the fact that training at our school (Gyoten dojo) tries to maintain the standards of the Aizu warriors, there are no belt ranks or competitions. The ancient samurai of Aizu believed their healing, martial and cultural arts to be a stradegy for life and not goal setting accomplishments.

   Our dojo is under the guidence of the Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu Rengokai. For a more complete glimpse into Daito Ryu and the two sword arts taught in our schools (Kashima Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu and Onno Ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu) please go to the following website:  www.niagara.com/~zain/

   Classes at Gyoten dojo are located at 181 Norma St. in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. We can be reached at 902-922-2238 or at aima@ns.sympatico.ca. Please note that all potential students must be 13 years or older and are asked to call or email us in order to make an appointment to come and watch a class. Classes for beginners are 6:30-8:00pm Tuesday and Thursday and 4-5:30pm on Sunday. All the best.