Avalon Aikikai

Peter MacLean Shihan, Chief Instructor of Antigonish Aikikai, conducted an inspirational and refreshing seminar at Avalon Aikikai on the weekend, the first Aikido seminar in Newfoundland since 2019. Special thanks to Monica and Paul, who also travelled from Nova Scotia for the seminar, to the visitors from East End Aikikai, Fudoshin Aikikai and Aikido Institute of Newfoundland, for supporting and attending the seminar, and to Portia for taking pictures.

Avalon Aikikai extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and students of Claude Berthiaume Shihan.

Claude was an important and influential figure to the Aikido community of Newfoundland. For many years, Claude was a regular visitor to Newfoundland, where he taught weekend seminars and conducted dan-rank examinations at Aikido Institute of Newfoundland. His visits were highly anticipated and widely attended by all the Aikikai in St. John's and his classes left lasting impressions on everyone who participated in them. Although it has been some time since Claude's last visit to our island, we continue to try to emulate his form and techniques. He will be remembered by all as a great teacher.

Send a message to learn more

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ted Condon, a devoted and beloved member of Avalon Aikikai for more than 10 years. Ted began his Aikido training later in life, but he quickly became known as one of Avalon Aikikai's most diligent and committed members. He attained the rank of shodan two years ago. Ted was a capable and knowledgeable nage and a cooperative uke, but mostly we will remember Ted for his welcoming spirit and for his many acts of generosity and kindness on and off the mat. He will be greatly missed by all.

Happy New Year!
Winter classes resume on Thursday, January 8, 2026
Class schedule:
Sundays 7:00-8:00 PM
Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 PM
Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM
Fees:
Regular $200/semester or $60/month
Reduced $150/semester or $45/month
Child $100/semester or $30/month
Affiliate $100/semester
New members: two months for the price of one
The reduced rate applies to those with a reduced income (retirees, students, unemployed)
The child rate is for children who practice once a week accompanied by a parent member
Please see https://www.avalon-aikikai.ca/ for more information.

Our Fall Semester begins on September 4, 2025
Class schedule:
Sundays 7:00-8:00 PM
Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 PM
Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM
Fees:
Regular $200/semester or $60/month
Reduced $150/semester or $45/month
Child $100/semester or $30/month
Affiliate $100/semester
New members: two months for the price of one
The reduced rate applies to those with a reduced income (retirees, students, unemployed)
The child rate is for children who practice once a week accompanied by a parent member
Please see https://www.avalon-aikikai.ca/ for more information.

Our Spring/summer begins on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
On May 11, 13, and 15, Avalon Aikikai will hold an Aikido Open House: you can try it out for $10/class or, if you prefer, watch for free. We welcome adults and teens (15+) and you don't need any previous experience with martial arts: these classes will be at an introductory level but will include basic stances, movements and attacks as well as the foundation of ukemi (falling safely to the mat) and basic throws and locks.
Our class schedule is:
Sundays, 7:00-8:00pm (regular), 8:00-8:45pm (weapons)
Tuesdays, 7:45-9:00pm (regular)
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm (regular)

Congratulations!

Happy New Year!

Our winter semester begins on Thursday January 9.
On January 12, 14 and 16, Avalon Aikikai will hold an Aikido Open House: you can try it out for $10/class or, if you prefer, watch for free. We welcome adults and teens (15+) and you don't need any previous experience with martial arts: these classes will be at an introductory level but will include basic stances, movements and attacks as well as the foundation of ukemi (falling safely to the mat) and basic throws and locks.

Our class schedule is:
Sunday, Jan 12, 7:00-8:00pm (regular), 8:00-8:45pm (weapons)
Tuesday, Jan 14, 7:45-9:00pm (regular)
Thursday, Jan 16, 5:30-6:30pm (regular)

Thanks to Karen for this photo!

Stoyan Trifonov, Shodan

Inspired by the harmony he observed the first time he saw Aikido, Stoyan began practising in 2018 at the age of 49 at the MUN Aikido Club (now Avalon Aikikai), under the instruction of Shin Chin-sensei and Ivan Booth-sensei. He views Aikido as the synthesis of martial art, body mechanics, and philosophy, an enjoyable activity that will help you overcome your fears, build confidence, sharpen your mind, and feel young.

Stoyan passed his Shodan test under the watchful eye of George Hewson shihan at the Halifax Aikido Club on November 10, 2024.