Martial Arts
AIKIDO
Our Chief Instructor
Takeshi Kimeda Sensei was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1941. He began his study of Aikido under both Master Gozo Shioda and Takashi Kushida Sensei at the age of 18, while he was a student at Meiji Gakuin University.
Kimeda Sensei is the chief instructor of Aikido Yoshinkai Canada and has been a professional instructor of Yoshinkai Aikido in Canada for more than 40 years. He holds the rank of 9th degree black belt and has trained more than 350 students to black belt.
Aikido has been called 'the way of harmony'. It does not emphasize punches and kicks for defense, rather seeks to absorb and blend with an attacker’s energy, bringing the attack to a peaceful resolution. The intent is to protect oneself without inflicting serious injury on the attacker. Aikido is more than self-defense. Practice trains the mind and body to work together in a relaxed yet powerful way. Aikido may be successfully applied to everyday situations as the student learns the principles of balance, blending and redirection of force.
Class fees are payable on the first of each month, or before the first class attended. Test fees must be paid prior to testing.
Minimum age for adult classes is 12.
Learn more at http://www.aikidohamilton.ca/
CLASSES
Basics: Tuesday, Thursday 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Friday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Advanced: Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
FEES
Adult (12 and up): $150 every two months
Children (5-12): $90 every two months
CJCC membership is mandatory
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Adult Gi $80.00
Children Gi $45.00
Handbook $20.00
iaido
Our Chief Instructor
Sensei Ron Mattie is 5th dan Iaido, 2nd dan Kendo, 8th dan Wado Kai karate, and is under the direction of Sensei Stephen Cruise (7th dan Iaido) out of the Etobicoke Olympium Kendo/Iaido club.
Hamilton CJCC Iaido follows the Muso Shinden Ryu tradition. Iaido is the way of drawing and attacking with a sword in one instantaneous action. The Iaido way includes perfecting Japanese style sword drawing techniques as well as developing oneself emotionally and spiritually. It is performed as a prescribed sequence of techniques against single or multiple imaginary opponents. Showing proper etiquette and developing exact technique through intense concentration and serenity are what distinguishes Iaido from other sports.
Since this is a mastery over oneself without an actual opponent, Iaido is an excellent martial art for an older person who is seeking personal development.
CLASSES
Children (under 13) Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Advanced: Monday 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Wednesday 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
FEES
Canadian Kendo Federation annual fees
(insurance, tournaments and grading)$35 / year
Iaido Club $40/month
CJCC membership is mandatory
JIU-JITSU
Our Chief Instructor
Rampant's Pride is a traditional martial arts club, training in Clarke's Jiu Jitsu and Clarke's Grappling. It's a collection of engaged members who want to share their lifetimes of knowledge in jiu-jitsu. The children’s class is a mixture of learned discipline and individualized coaching, based on child's learning aptitudes. The adult class focuses on robust conditioning followed by learning effective techniques that have been refined based on decades of real world feedback and use. There is a great sense of camaraderie at Rampant’s Pride between instructors, students and supporting family, and we encourage you to come take a look.
Any other information can be requested through our Facebook page or in person during our class times. If interested, your first class is always free to see if you enjoy it.
Learn more www.rampantspride.com
CLASSES
Children Monday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Adults Monday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
CJCC membership is mandatory
FEES
Children: $50 per month
Adults: $60 per month
Family: $90 per month
judo
Judo 柔道, the gentle way is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budō) and combat sport that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Judo’s most prominent feature is the competitive element where the object is to either throw your opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue your opponent with a grappling manoeuvre, or force an opponent to submit. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) — as well as weapon’s defence — are part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or in free practice (randori). Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964.
Kawasaki Rendokan was founded in 1958 and has been developing young athletes for over three generations. While it is a very competitive club, it also caters to families. Several families participate together in both Senior and Junior classes. We offer instruction for both the Olympic hopeful and for recreational practice. Learn more about the school Kawasaki Rendokan Judo Academy.
Our Chief Instructor
Mitchell, began his Judo practice at age five. Mitchell has acheived the Hachidan ranking (8th Degree Black Belt) in judo. Mitchell has held numerous positions within Judo's governing bodies including Vice-President of Judo Ontario, Technical Director for Judo Ontario, Ontario Provincial Black Belt Grading Board and National Black Belt Grading Board. Mitchell has held the position of head coach for the Ontario Judo Team, he has also been a headline Instructor at Camp Olympia.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/kawasaki-judo-1.7268228
CLASSES
Junior
Monday and Wednesday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Adult Monday and Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
High Performance Competitive Shiai Tuesday* 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday 7:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. *Small Dojo
High Performance Competitive Kata (Junior & Senior) Sunday 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
X-Training (Conditioning for Judo & General) Saturday 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Equipment Gi
For Belt Grading and Insurance LiabilityRegistration with Judo Ontario annually is required
CJCC Membership fees: (Canadian Japanese Culture Centre of Hamilton)
FEES
Single: $30 per year Family: $50 per year
karate
The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) was founded by Sensei Masaru Shintani in 1966. The federation is one of the largest martial arts organization of a single style in North America. Current registered membership is approximately 3,000 students with 400+ active black belts. SWKKF also supports a national team to represent the organization at various tournaments within and outside the organization.
Wado Kai Karate is a Japanese Karate style founded in 1939 by Hironori Otsuka. It is an amalgamation of Funakoshi’s Shotokan Karate, Jiu-jitsu and Kempo. Wado Kai, means the way of peace and harmony. It is one of the four major styles of Karate in Japan and remains one of the purest forms of Karate-do.
Similar to most other Karate styles, Wado Kai includes basic techniques (waza) such as kicking, blocking, open and closed hand strikes, and study of grappling and joint-twisting manoeuvres, Kata (sequences of techniques) and Kumite (prearranged and free-style sparring).
Join the Karate Facebook Group here for More information
CLASSES
Junior Tuesday and Thursday 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Adult Tuesday and Thursday 8 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Sunday 11:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
FEES
SWKKF Membership $75 per year
Adults: $180 per 3 months / $70 per month
Juniors: $275 per 5 months / $65 per month
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
Equipment Gi
FEE
Single: $30 Family: 50 Senior: $20
Kendo
Kendo: the “way of the sword”, a traditional Japanese Martial Art. 剣 Ken means “sword” and 道 Do means “the way”. Kendo developed from kenjutsu styles of swordsmanship practiced by samurai for centuries. Kendo combines spiritual discipline, martial arts practices, values, sportsmanship and strenuous physical activity. In 2023, the Hamilton Kendo Club (HKC) will celebrate its 10-year anniversary at CJCCH. The HKC is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation and Ontario Kendo.
Please visit, hamiltonkendo.ca for more information.
The Purpose of Kendo
To mold the mind and body.
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
To associate with others with sincerity.
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus will one be able:
To love one’s country and society;
To contribute to the development of culture;
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
Classes
Children (under 13) Monday 10:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Adult
Monday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kendo fees are paid per semester in January, May and September
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
FEE
Canadian Kendo Federation annual fees: $35 Adults $120 per semester
Youth (under 13) $40 per semester
Students $75 per semester
Koyu-kai 60+
Description: Koyukai means a "friendly club". Koyukai 60+ was started by the Hamilton Chapter NAJC to support the Japanese-Canadian senior community. It is a social group for those over 60 years old. Koyukai 60+ strives to create a welcoming, happy atmosphere that provides our community seniors the opportunity to socialize. A variety of activities are enjoyed such as bingo and refreshments are provided by members. Koyukai 60+ plans parties, luncheons, bus trips and picnics. Koyukai 60+ always supports the CJCC with a monetary donation each year to aid the greater Hamilton Japanese-Canadian community. All are welcome to join.
Date: 2nd Monday of each month (subject to change)
Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Membership: $15.00 (annual)
CJCC membership is mandatory
Contact: koyukaihamilton@gmail.com for more information
Koyukai 60+ is grateful to acknowledge support from the
Japanese Canadian Legacies Seniors Health & Wellness Fund.
Momiji SALC West Activity Day
Offered by Momiji Health Care Society.
Momiji Health Care Society is a not-for-profit organization in Scarborough, Toronto, dedicated to supporting seniors - especially Japanese Canadian elders - in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life through culturally sensitive services.
Among Momiji’s many community services are the Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) Programs. After recently expanding Momiji’s SALC programs to the West-End of Toronto, including Hamilton, staff are eager to bring exciting and fun activities to the CJCC for Japanese Canadian Seniors, young and old, to enjoy. Participants can look forward to a variety of Japanese and Western crafts and social activities (movies, seasonal parties, art workshops) at the activity days, and a chance to connect with their community through friendly conversations over tea and snacks.
Fees are not required to join the Momiji SALC West Activity Days except, for liability reasons, we ask that the participants become a CJCC member. Occasionally, for larger craft workshops, a small material fee may be required.
For monthly emails with more information about the activity days and other Momiji related programs, contact:
Benjamin Sunahara-Levy
email: ben@momiji.on.ca
cell: 416-407-0142
Meet on 3rd or 4th Monday of the Month @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Euchre
Wednesday @ 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Fee: $3 per session
CJCC membership is required for liability reasons.
for more information, contact Mary McCracken mccrack161@sympatio.ca
Cultural Activities
ikebana
The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement
Ikebana is floral design for personal enjoyment. The goal is creative expression through learning classical and modern styles of arrangement rather than making floral designs for sale.
Each class consists of a brief demonstration and explanation of the arrangement to be made. During class, you will explore the basic components of creating ikebana: Colour, Line, Mass, Surface, Space, Depth, Texture and focal point. Different containers will be used in class and you will learn to adapt pieces that you may already have for use in Ikebana arranging.
There is ongoing discussion of materials such as branches, leaves and flowers. Learn how to prepare materials, plus what to choose and how many. Learn which materials are best suited to the role they will play in your arrangement. There will also be discussion about where to purchase containers, flowers and plants that one can grow in the garden or patio containers.
Contact the instructor by email for more details at: ldhartley83@gmail.com
CLASSES
Wednesdays: Class A: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Class B: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Thursdays: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
FEE
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
For the ten session class the fee is $130.00 (includes membership)
Seniors over 65: $120.00 (includes membership)
A class fee of $15.00 (approx) is payable at each class session for flowers, greenery and any supplies needed for the day's lesson.
Some basic containers are available to loan until participants find suitable pieces.
Equipment
Utility or kitchen shears
Apron
Hand towel
Small notebook and pen
Most important is a Kenzan or Japanese pin flower holder of 31/2 inches or 8 to 9 centimeters in width when measured across the bottom.
A wide shallow bowl about 12 to 15 inches wide and about 3 to 4 inches deep. It should have a smooth flat bottom.
Japanese Language classes
Beginner class (In-person at CJCC Hamilton)
Students in the beginner class will learn how to read and write
Hiragana, Katakana, and some basic Kanji. They will learn basic
vocabulary and grammar to be able to understand and
communicate basic ideas in Japanese, and use that knowledge to
practice listening and speaking skills.
Intermediate 1 class (In-person at CJCC Hamilton)
In Intermediate class, students will learn commonly used
expressions and sentences (shopping and asking directions etc).
Also they will learn frequently seen KANJIs on streets or
buildings (entrance, exit, priority seat, opening hours etc). The
level of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) for this class
is N5.
Intermediate 2 class (online)
In Intermediate 2 class, students will learn slightly difficult
writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the
main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available
to aid one’s understanding.
For listening practice, business Japanese is introduced in this
class. The level of the class is around JLPT N4 to N3.
Advanced class (online)
Advanced class is for students who are at least N3 or above level
of Japanese language. Students in this class will learn phrases,
appropriate greetings and manners in business or formal
situations. Also they will learn to read a variety of complex texts
(contracts, agreements and complaint letters). The class is
instructed mainly in Japanese.
Contact : mikihagerman@gmail.com
Register here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfz17wfPuGSYuJw7JZRiIQGVCuP-Wb6S2rfHzv3fjAZG-cRjg/viewform
Your Instructors:
Miki Hagerman
Miki Hagerman was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. She is a
graduate of the University of Queensland in Australia and is an
alumni of the University of Toronto. She is an experienced
business manager, teacher, interpreter and translator. Miki is in
high demand as a teacher and presents language workshops for
the Japan Foundation as well as maintaining her Yoga practice as
a certified yoga instructor at CJCC.
Takako Hino
Takako Hino was born and raised in Takayama, Gifu, Japan. She has lived in Australia. She has enjoyed life in Canada in 2013.
CLASSES
Saturday
Beginner: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Intermediate 1: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
Intermediate 2: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
Advanced 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Fees
$200 per session 10 weeks per session (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
Senior: $20 Singles: $30 Family: $50
Suzuran Odori of Hamilton
Honouring Tradition Through Dance
Suzuran Odori (すずらん踊り) is the traditional Japanese dance group of the Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre of Hamilton. Founded by the late Chiyoko Izumi, Suzuran Odori has been preserving and sharing Japanese culture in the Hamilton area and across Southern Ontario for many years.
Dressed in colourful kimono or happi coats, the dancers perform a variety of regional and seasonal dances, from elegant classical pieces to lively festival numbers. Each performance offers a window into Japanese life, history, and storytelling through rhythm and movement. Their colourful costumes, graceful choreography, and spirited performances aim to connect audiences with the beauty and diversity of Japanese heritage.
Suzuran Odori is proud to represent Japanese Canadian heritage and to share the joy of cultural connection through dance.
Classes
Buyo lessons: Sunday 10:30 AM
Monthly intensive workshops
Summer Festival Dance instruction begins in June.
You must be a member of CJCC.
Lessons are $ 300.00 per year.
Fall session: September to December.
Winter session: January to April
Spring Session: May to August
Kai fee is $1.00 for each practise.
Location: Small dojo and classroom with mirror.
Members pay $ 1.00 to Suzuran-Kai at each practise.
For more information contact suzuranhamilton@gmail.com
Suzuran odori is grateful to acknowledge support from the
Japanese Canadian Legacies Community Fund.
anime club
The Anime Club at the CJCC is in inclusive environment where Otakus can come to watch and discuss anime together. We also hold raffles, play board games, and socialize. Meetings are held on the last Friday of every month, from 7PM to 10PM. Suggested donation to the CJCC is minimum $5. Hope to see you there.
CJCC membership is required for liability reasons.
Event Times
last Friday of the month 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a mindful practice of set movements originally developed for self-defense. The movements are slow and graceful and there are many different styles each emphasizing different principles and methods. Here we practice a moving meditation style of 108 moves focused on improving balance, increasing flexibility and reducing stress.
CLASSES
Monday Beginner 10:00 AM– 11:30 AM Intermediate 10:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday Beginner 9:00 AM– 11:30 AM Intermediate 10:20 AM - 12:00 PM
FEE
$20 per month
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family
Equipment
Loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes
Yoga
Hatha Yoga
This is the gentle practice of simple movements based on the philosophy and the principle of yoga and ayurveda. You will discover interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness through your regular practice. The instructor guides you to relax your nervous system, to be aware of yourself physically, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually, through movement, breath work, self-reflection and meditation for your ultimate wellbeing.
Changes and cancellations will be posted on the Yoga at CJCC Facebook page or contact Maki Kajiura makikajiura@gmail.com
Classes
Hatha Yoga
Please contact the teacher on the Facebook page to receive the zoom link for the class.
Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Zoom (online)
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family
Class Fees
Drop in: $14
Prepaid Card (for 10 plus 1 bonus classes): $140
You must be a member of CJCC to participate.
Equipment
Yoga mat
tennis ball
strap
blocks
blanket
Chess
Hamilton City Chess Club and Academy
Hamilton City Chess Club and Academy is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote learning and playing chess in the Hamilton community through regular tournaments, chess classes, and casual games (find more info in our website: https://hamiltonchessclub.blogspot.com/).
Tournament Information
Children and adults of any skill level are welcome!
Start time: Fridays at 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Location: Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre at 45 Hempstead Drive
Time Control and other details: 90 minutes flat; one round every Friday for a total of 5 rounds, after which we start a new 5 round tournament.
Games are CFC (Chess Federation of Canada) rated and thus require a CFC membership at chess.ca
Fees (CASH ONLY): CJCC membership fees are: individuals $30/year , family membership 50$/year and individual seniors 20$/year (above 65 years old). Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
Chess Class Information
Chess classes are currently only for children (under 18).
Chess classes are offered in 4 sections based on students skill levels: 2 sections on Fridays 6:00-7:00 PM and 2 sections on Fridays 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Each semester is 12 weeks long.
Class size: 10-15 students per section
Fees:
CJCC membership fees (30$/year fee for one child and 50$/year for families) are mandatory
The chess class fees (110$/12 weeks for one child, 180$/12 weeks for 2 children and 220$/12 weeks for 3 children)
Current Club Executives
President & Tournament Director: tba
Vice-President: Derek Gwynn
Treasurer: Michel Vasquez
Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory
$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family
Chess club membership fees: 120$/year or 60$/6 months or 3$/night for adults
80$/year or 40$/6 months or 2$/night for children (under 18).
There is also a rating fee per tournament (4$ every ~6 weeks that we start a new tournament)
You can drop in on a Friday and complete your payment and registrations in person. Looking forward to seeing you there!