What is a Gasshuku?

Gasshuku (合宿) is Japanese for "staying together at a lodging house." In Gasshuku, members of a group share their lives for a certain period, ranging from a few days to a few months, to develop and strengthen their relationships.

Amidst this array of activities, indulge in plenty of Aikido practice, refine your skills, learn new techniques, and foster personal growth as a martial artist!


Guest Instructors:

Phillip Kirwin Sensei, 2nd dan, Vancouver West Aikikai (Vancouver)

Phillip Sensei began his aikido training in 2011 at Edmonton Tenshinkai. In 2017 he received shodan from Dang Thong Phong Sensei, and was briefly a live-in student with Pat Hendricks Sensei. For 9 months in 2020 he lived in Kanagawa, Japan, where he trained under Hiroko Takagi Sensei and was promoted to nidan. During this time he practiced at Hombu Dojo on several occasions. In 2022 he moved to Vancouver and joined Vancouver West Aikikai under Ishu Ishiyama Sensei. He has trained at the seminars of K. Igarashi, H. Osawa, W. Whited, M. Friedl, C. Hayashi, B. Bookman, and R. Shirakawa. Phillip Sensei has taught aikido to people of all ages since 2016, and currently teaches adult beginner classes at Vancouver West Aikikai.

Natalie Vakulin Sensei, 1st dan, BigRock Aikikai (Calgary)

Natalie Sensei started aikido when she was nine years old, practicing for over ten years in Calgary at BigRock Aikikai under the guidance of Steve Erickson Sensei. She has been teaching aikido for over eight years and is a full instructor at her home dojo. She was recently awarded her Shodan black belt. Natalie Sensei loves teaching aikido to children of all ages and deepening her knowledge of aikido through teaching and connecting with young practitioners. She strives to show the same care and dedication to her students as her mentors have shown her so that she in turn can be a role model to the younger generation of students. 

Akimitsu Koma Sensei, 3rd dan, Aikido Kobayashi Dojo (Tokyo)

Akimitsu Sensei started Aikido at the Aikido Kobayashi Dojo at the age of 5 in 2005, influenced by his father; an Aikido instructor. In 2018, after receiving his shodan (first degree black belt) from Kobayashi sensei, he joined the Kokugakuin University aikido club in Tokyo under the direction of under Kanazawa Takeshi sensei of the Aikikai world headquarter dojo. There he receiving his second and third dans. He is currently a member of the Aikido Kobayashi Dojo and is dedicated to his training in Aikido. He has also trained in mixed martial arts for the past eight year, and is active as an amateur fighter.

<Engaging Activities>

  • Aikido Class: Immerse yourself in the principles and techniques of Aikido with dedicated classes led by young experienced instructors.

  • Outdoor Games: Channel your energy into outdoor games, promoting teamwork and friendly competition.

  • Hiking: Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Kelowna with a guided hiking adventure, connecting with nature.

  • Polar Bear Dip: Experience the exhilaration of a Polar Bear Dip, a refreshing plunge into nature that adds an unforgettable twist to your camp adventure.

  • Movie Night: Unwind with your fellow campers for a movie night brimming with entertainment and inspiration.

<TENtative Schedule>

May 17th, Saturday

12:30 – 1:00 pm Arriving Camp Dunlop
1:00 – 2:00 pm Orientation
2:00 – 2:50 pm Aikido Class with Natalie sensei
3:00 – 3:50 pm Aikido class with Akimitsu sensei  
4:00 – 4:50 pm Aikido class with Phillip sensei   
5:00 – 6:00 pm Polar bear dip
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 8:00 pm Daily cleaning / Free time
8:00 – 10:00 pm    Movie Night
10 pm Light out

May 18th, Sunday

Time Activity
8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast & cleaning up
9:00 – 11:30 am Hiking
11:30 am – 12:30 pm   Outdoor Game
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & cleaning up
1:30 – 2:00 pm Free time
2:00 – 2:50 pm Aikido class with Natalie sensei  
3:00 – 3:50 pm Aikido class with Akimitsu sensei  
4:00 – 4:50 pm Aikido class with Phillip sensei  
5:00 – 6:00 pm Outdoor Game
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 8:00 pm Daily cleaning / Free time
8:00 – 9:30 pm Bonfire / Games
10 pm Light out

May 19th, Monday

Time Activity
8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast & cleaning up
9:00 – 10:00 am Aikido class with Phillip sensei  
10:00 – 11:00 am   Cleaning / packing
11:00 am Leaving Camp Dunlop with packed lunch   

<Venue and Accomodation>

Camp Dunlop is situated on 30 acres, with hiking trails in the surrounding areas that provide spectacular views of Okanagan Lake. The camp has its own private beach on Okanagan Lake, there is no dock. Two bunkhouses sleep 24 in each. Participants must bring sleeping mattresses. The Camp can accommodate approximately 250 people (including bunkhouses and user-provided tents). 

 

<FeeS>

Camp Fee:

Two nights: $260

One night:$130

Camp Fee Includes accommodation at Camp Dunlop (please bring your own sleeping bag and mattress; you can also bring a tent if you prefer - we have bunk beds for 48 people), meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day), and mat fees. Transportation is not included. The ride from Squamish/Vancouver to Kelowna is an additional $40 (round trip).

  • Meal: Pancake Breakfasts, BBQ, and other great meals: Our chefs have curated a menu to satisfy your appetite and keep you energized throughout the camp.

  • Ride Sharing: Aikidaily has offered the use of its two passenger vans to provide ride-sharing options for travel from the Greater Vancouver area, Horseshoe Bay and the Fraser Valley (departing early Saturday, 17th). Seats can be booked through the registration link below. Seats are limited.

Drop in option Fee
Drop-in rate $15/class
Day activities on the 17th with dinner without accommodation   $75
Day activities on the 18th with lunch and dinner without accommodation   $95

<Registration and Payment>

Please register through the link below. After finishing the registration process, you will need to send an e-transfer with your registration fee to grant.babin@aikidaily.com. Please add participant’s name and the word Kelowna to the e-transfer message. Once we receive your payment, your registration will be confirmed by email.

<Memories from Gasshuku in 2024>

<Contact>

Grant Babin grant.babin@aikidaily.com, 604-849-3371

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