Our Instructors
Our Instructors' Journey to Squamish
In 2016, our instructors, Grant and Rie, made the significant journey from Tokyo, Japan to Squamish. Grant Babin, who was fully devoted to teaching aikido in Tokyo, received an offer from the Budo Society to instruct aikido in Squamish. However, shortly after their relocation, the organization disbanded. Subsequently, Grant and Rie chose to establish the Aikidaily International Academy with the small number of students they had gathered.
Grant Babin, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor
(French & English Instruction)
Originally from Quebec, has been practicing Aikido for 25 Years and teaching for 15. Before moving to Squamish he lived in Tokyo, studied intensively at the Aikikai World Headquarters under some of the best teachers in the world. He had the fortune of working for Pacific Aikido and taught school children; ages 5 to 18, daily with a very successful after school program which had approximately 200 kids in it at the time.
He studied Agriculture at UFV in Chilliwack and is interested in sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency and healthy communities. He is also interested in personal development which includes the study of chi gong, tai chi, yoga, permaculture, and the application of aikido principles in daily life, just to name a few.
Despite having a 5 day a week teaching schedule, he continues to actively train in Vancouver with Tony Hind Sensei, 7th dan, attends seminars and camps and travels in and out of the country to receive more instruction from some of the top teachers in the world.
Rie Babin, 2nd dan, Instructor
(Japanese & English Instruction)
Born in Tochigi Japan, started Aikido in 2013 at Aikido Academy at the Aikikai World Headquarters and became shodan in 2016 and moved to Squamish soon after.
She studied International Relations at Tsuda College in Tokyo and worked for international cooperation projects with NGO and government organizations. She has traveled extensively abroad and first came to Canada as an apprentice on an organic farm in 2011. She likes cooking, baking, and gardening and is interested in community activities.
Assisting with children’s classes and managing much of what goes on behind the scenes at aikidaily, she continues to train regularly in Vancouver with Tony Hind Sensei, 7th dan; travels to attend seminars with skilled instructors to deepen her knowledge of aikido.
Aikido Lineage
Morihei Ueshibu, O'Sensei,
1883 - 1969
Kissomaru Ueshiba,
1921 - 1999
Moriteru Ueshiba, Doshu,
1951 -