Cecil Paris, 6th Dan

Cecil Paris Sensei began practicing Aikido in 1972. He taught at New Westminster Aikikai for over 30 Years, which was later relocated and renamed Coquitlam Aikikai Taku Dojo. He was a close personal student of Kawahara Shihan. His philosophy is that through dedicated training and practice on and off the mat, in weapons and Aikido forms one develops the essence of Aikido.

Paris Sensei retired in 2021. In January 0f 2022, Cecil Paris was awarded the Kawahara Shihan Award for Outstanding Contribution by the Canadian Aikido Federation. Click here for the main awards page and a full description of Paris Sensei's Aikido life and his contribution to Canadian Aikido.

Peter Helmer, 5th Dan

Peter Helmer began with Gerry Geisler in Winfield BC in 1985 and continued with Jobe Groot when Kelowna Aikikai was born (now Okanagan Aikikai). Kawahara Shihan gave Peter permission to start a dojo in Vernon BC around 1989. Peter was promoted shodan in 1994 and promoted 5th dan in 2013.

Ralph Kopperson, 4th Dan

Ralph Kopperson practiced Aikido for more than 40 years. He began in Victoria (Ishiyama Sensei, Kawahara Sensei, Macphail Sensei). He taught beginner classes at the Victoria main dojo for many years, attending seminars and summer camps.