Our Programs

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.

CLASSES

Basics: Tuesday, Thursday          7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Advanced: Tuesday, Thursday   8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday (children’s class)               6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday (yellow belt and up)         7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

FEES

Adult (12 and up) $150 every two months
Children (5-12) $90 every two months

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

Beginner: Wednesday          5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Advanced: Wednesday          6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

FEES

Canadian Kendo Federation annual fees
(insurance, tournaments and grading)$35 / year

Iaido Club $40/month

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 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Adults

Monday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

CLASSES

Junior and Adult
Monday and Wednesday            6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday                                          10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Junior Kata Classes

Competitive Junior, Senior
Monday and Wednesday            7:10 p.m. -8:45 p.m.
Friday                                              8:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday                                          10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Senior Kata Classes
Senior Recreation classes

FEES
See Sensei.

Equipment

Gi

For Belt Grading and Insurance Liability

Registration with Judo Ontario annually is required

CJCC Membership fees: (Canadian Japanese Culture Centre of Hamilton)

Single: $30 per year

Family: $50 per year

By becoming a CJCC member annually you will receive a discount for monthly Judo fees.

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).

CLASSES

Junior Tuesday, Thursday 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Adult Tuesday, Thursday 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Adult Sunday 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

FEES

SWKKF Membership      $75 per year

Adults                                $180/3 months $70 per month

Juniors                              $275/5 months $65 per month

CJCC Membership is $20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 for family per year.

Equipment

Gi

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

Monday 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Children’s class (under 13)

Fee

Canadian Kendo Federation annual fees $35

Kendo fees are paid per semester in January, May and September

Adults $120/semester
Youth (under 13) $40/semester
Students $75/semester

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 to 12:00
Class B: 1:30 to 3:00

Thursdays:

7:00Pm, to 8:00 Pm. or on Zoom

Fee

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 Classes: Students 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 Classes: Students will build on the lessons from the beginner classes to learn commonly used expressions and sentences eg. (shopping and asking directions). They will learn more kanji including frequently seen KANJI on streets or buildings in Japan. The level of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) for this class is N5.

Advanced Classes: Students in this class will learn phrases, appropriate greetings and manners in business or formal situations. They will learn to read a variety of complex texts (eg. contracts, agreements and complaint letters). The class is instructed mainly in Japanese for students who are at least N3 or above.

In person classes will begin this fall and will follow strict Covid19 safety protocols. Participants will wear a mask to enter the CJCC building. Classes may be a hybrid of on-line and in person.

Classes

Beginner class: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Intermediate/Advanced class: Saturday 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Fees

• Beginner :$ 200 per session

• Intermediate & Advance: $ 225 per session

• students will purchase required textbook

Japanese Tea Ceremony

You are cordially invited to join Sensei Keiko Kimeda in 表千家 Omotesenke style tea ceremony.

Chado, the Way Of Tea, is based upon the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst.

Registration is now open, please click the Sign Up Button

CJCC membership required

Odori 日本舞踊協会

Suzuran Odori of Hamilton

Suzuran Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performance group.

Suzuran means Lily of the Valley and Odori means Dance.

The small white  lily of the valley flowers represent the students depending on their teacher the strong green stalk of the plant. Suzuran Odori is one of the oldest traditional Japanese dance performance groups in Canada.   Mrs Chiyoko Izumi the founder of Suzuran Odori began her studies in British Columbia when she was very young and kept dancing throughout her life still teaching her students while in her late 90’s until the pandemic restricted her teaching.  The group is supported by Diane Nishizaki who is an integral part of the group as an advisor, dresser, choreographer and consultant.  Suzuran Odori established here in Hamilton in 1944 by the late Mrs. Chiyoko Izumi continues to perform as a legacy to this tradition.

Sunday afternoon classes and monthly workshops.

Location: Small dojo and classroom with mirror.

Members pay $ 1.00 to Suzuran-Kai at each practise.

for more information contact suzuran.odori@gmail.com

anime club

The Anime Club at the CJCC is in inclusive environment where Otakus of all ages 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 $2-$5. Hope to see you there

Classes

contact CJCC for details

hamcjcc@gmail.com

Please prepare to dress according to code.

Costs - $40 for each class

Classes

Buyo lessons: Sunday at 1 pm

Monthly intensive workshops

You must be a member of CJCC.

Lessons are $ 150.00 per session.

Fall session: September to December.

Winter session: January to April

Cost for the year is $ 300.00.

Kai fee is $1.00 for each practise.

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 and Wednesday 10am – 11:30am

Fee

$20 per month

Equipment

Loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes

Yoga

In Hatha yoga, we use breath, poses and movement, and meditation for our well-being in different levels. Beginners are welcomed! Please bring a yoga mat. Upon arrival, please fill in a waiver form. No registration is required. Changes and cancellations will be posted on the Yoga at CJCC Facebook page.

Flow style yoga (Vinyasa yoga) is currently on pause. Please keep in mind that we can offer Vinyasa style yoga in the future so watch this space for updates. Vinyasa Yoga connects one posture to the next using the breath. Great practice to develop balanced body and aliments. Also, it can help to reduce stress, and chronic pain. Many variations of postures are available for each body. Just come and try it. All you need is a yoga mat!

Chess

THE HAMILTON CITY CHESS CLUB RETURNS TO OTB, AT OUR NEW LOCATION. WE WILL BE CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF ORGANIZED CHESS, IN HAMILTON, IN 2023!

The Hamilton City Chess Club is reopening to Over The Board play on Fridays at 7pm!

Pre-registration is required due to pandemic restrictions; changes in membership details and our new location.

1.) Masks are mandatory while inside the CJCCH.

2.) Full vaccination status is required for those 12 and older. PROOF IS REQUIRED. This includes any family members, friends etc., who will be in the building.

3.) Posted Covid-19 protocols must be followed, including the maximum number of people allowed in each room.

4.) The new Hamilton City Chess Club Membership Form must be filled out by all members.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN PENS OR PENCILS.

5.) MEMBERSHIP TO THE CJCCH IS MANDATORY, FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES.

6.) We like to think we are the FRIENDLIEST chess club in Canada. SPORTSMANSHIP, MANNERS, QUIET PLAY and INTERACTION is requested by ALL, ESPECIALLY WHEN TOURNAMENT GAMES ARE IN PROGRESS.

7.) OUR ESTABLISHED MEMBERS WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND HELP YOU WITH CHESS NOTATION OR ETIQUETTE.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR FEES AND COSTS HAVE INCREASED. IF THIS IS A CONCERN FOR YOU, PLEASE SEE ONE OF THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS. WE DO NOT WISH TO EXCLUDE ANYONE DUE TO COSTS!

YOUR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS ARE: Ken Callaghan (Co-President), Soroush Bagheri (Co-President), Michel Vasquez (Treasurer), Amer Khoury (Member-at-Large)

Classes

Hatha Wednesday 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fee

$7 per class; $70 for 11 class pass.
You must be a member of CJCC to participate.

Equipment

Yoga mat