Instructors
Tamami Nakashimada Sensei, Chief Instructor
Tamami Nakashimada Sensei began her Aikido training with Morito Suganuma Shihan at the Shohei Juku dojo in Fukuoka, Japan in 1978. She arrived in Canada in 1985 and became the Chief Instructor of Shohei Juku Canada. Nakashimada Sensei was awarded the rank of Rokudan i.e. 6th degree (or Dan) black belt in January 2014. She has continued her Aikido studies under the direction of Suganuma Sensei who visits the Vancouver dojo each year. Nakashimada Sensei is an inspiring and energetic teacher. She welcomes all who are interested in Aikido to train with her.
Claire Egan
Since 1997, Claire has practiced Aikido, developing a deep passion under Tama Sensei's guidance. Her dedication led her to achieve Yondan in 2024. Currently, she leads the Monday adult class. Balancing her full-time job as a Public Health Nurse, family, and yoga, Claire integrates Aikido into her life, enhancing her flexibility and strength.
Siamak Riazi
Siamak started his Aikido practice under Nakashimada Sensei's supervision in 1999. His passion for Aikido was evident from the start, practicing the art 5 or 6 days a week. He tested for the Yondan in 2024. He has a full time job in the IT sector and practices Aikido 3 - 4 days a week. Siamak teaches adult classes and is the regular instructor for the kids class on Saturdays. He says kids keep him young and enthusiastic!
Dietrich Bassewitz
Dietrich started training with Shohei Juku Aikido Canada in 1998, after having trained at Aikido dojos in Germany and Toronto. He tested for Yondan in 2024. He teaches the occasional adults class. His full time job is as a computer technician/consultant. He says that if he were independently wealthy, he would be practicing more than just twice a week.
Shinobu Matsuoka
Shinobu is from Osaka, Japan and has been studying Aikido under Tama sensei from 2002. She was awarded her Sandan in 2017 and has been teaching children’s classes since 2005. She really enjoys teaching kids as they are “so much fun and give her lots of energy!!”
Agatha Joe
Agatha has been practicing Aikido since 2003 when she was living in New Zealand. After moving to Vancouver she began training with Tamami Nakashimada Sensei in 2014 and received her Sandan from Suganuma Shihan in 2017. She teaches the beginner kids class on Mondays. "Aggie" enjoys weapon training and is very accomplished with bokken (sword) and jo (staff).
