Takeshi Kimeda is credited with introducing Yoshinkan Aikido to Canada on his arrival in 1964 in Toronto, Ontario. Hence, he is considered the Father of Aikido in Canada.

Kimeda, presently ranked 9th dan, systematically built up a network of dojos in the Toronto, Hamilton and Windsor areas.
Historically, this group has had close links with the Aikido Yoshinkai Association of North America and the Yoshinkan Aikido Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. In 1980, AYANA and Aikido Yoshinkan jointly hosted the second trip of Gozo Shioda to North America, that included a visit and demonstration to Toronto’s Japanese Cultural Centre.

The organization grouping together Aikikai-affiliated dojos is the Canadian Aikido Federation that was established circa 1976. It presently comprises some 40 dojos throughout Canada that are organized on the provincial level.

Master Kimeda is undoubtedly one the finest Aikido technicians in the world and combining that with his pleasant character he is not only a credit to Aikido world-wide but a credit to Canadian martial arts.

We are all very proud to have him as our first Aikido inductee into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame.