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.

Learn more at http://www.aikidohamilton.ca/

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

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

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

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 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

CJCC membership is mandatory

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 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

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.

FEES

SWKKF Membership      $75 per year

Adults                                $180/3 months $70 per month

Juniors                              $275/5 months $65 per month

Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory

$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family

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

Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory

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

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 

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 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 

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 

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. 

Winter term registration is open! Contact : mikihagerman@gmail.com

In-person at CJCC Hamilton

Beginner and Intermediate 1: start date January 11th 2025: Saturday 10am to 12pm

(10 weeks)

Online classes

Intermediate 2 : Wednesday 7:30 pm to 9m (10 weeks)

Advanced        : Tuesday 7:30 pm to 9pm (10 weeks)

Class Fee : $200 per term 

Regular annual CJCC membership : $30 

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 practise as a certified yoga instructor at CJCC.

Paul Gilchrist 

Paul Gilchrist has a B.A. in Japanese Studies from McMaster University. He lived in Japan from 2000-2013, where he taught at all levels of the public school system in Gifu Prefecture and practiced a variety of martial arts. He is currently a teacher for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

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.

Ohanashi Fujisan: Japanese Language Class with Japanese Fairytales: 10 weeks

Skype or Zoom

3 people in each class

First Friday of each month

fee is $100 per 10 week course plus CJCC membership

for Intermediate Japanese Language readers and speakers

for more information please contact hamcjcc@gmail.com

Classes

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Beginner class

Intermediate 1

online classes:

Wednesday 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Intermediate 2

Tuesday 7:30 pm to 9pm

Advanced

Fees

• Class fees :$ 200 per session

• students will purchase required textbook

• Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory

  $20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family

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.

Classes

contact CJCC for details

hamcjcc@gmail.com

Please prepare to dress according to code.

Costs - $40 for each class

Registration is now open, please click the Sign Up Button

CJCC membership required

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.

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.

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

Event Times

last Friday of the month 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory

$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family

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) with Miki Hagerman. 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!

Classes

Hatha Yoga

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

Saturday 7 pm on zoom

Annual CJCC Membership is mandatory

$20 for senior, $30 for single and $50 family

Fee

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

Equipment

Yoga mat

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

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: Soroush Bagheri

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!