White text that reads “About the Dojo“ overlaid on a photo of people participating in an aikido class.

Introducing our school (dojo).

A traditional past and a strong future.

Welcome to our Dojo, offering traditional Yoshinkan style Aikido instruction in the heart of Mississauga.

One of the goals of the Sendokan Dojo is to try and duplicate the instruction style, etiquette, spirit and technical expertise demonstrated at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

The addition of Dawn Rusch Sensei (3rd Dan) and Nathan Innocente enabled the Sendokan to move closer to attaining that goal. Dawn Rusch Sensei and Nic Mills Sensei were both graduates of the International Instructors Course (Senshusei Course). Nic Mills Sensei graduated from the 4th course and instructed the 5th, 6th and 7th courses. Dawn Rusch Sensei graduated from the 6th course and taught the 7th and 8th courses.

There are only a handful of dojo worldwide that have ex-Hombu dojo instructors, or ex-senshusei. The Sendokan Dojo is the ONLY dojo to have two ex-Hombu dojo sensei actively teaching and training.

Certifications

The Sendokan Dojo received it’s certification from the Headquarters Dojo in 1998. The dojo has grown in size and strength ever since. We have a committed core group of students who are training hard and are becoming strong. Students at the dojo have come together to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all new students. The senior student’s training ethic and desire to exemplify all the positive attributes of true budoka is a testament to their efforts and commitments and their Sensei(s)’ teaching and training. All are welcome to come and watch and take part in Sendokan dojo activities both on and off the mat.

Our club is a leading school in the greater peel region and we have students from all over the GTA. All our instructors are Japan certified.

The Sendokan Dojo was formed February 16, 1998. Nic Mills Sensei had returned from Japan late the previous year. Sensei Mills took part in the 4th International Instructors (Senshusei) course and had remained in Tokyo training and eventually teaching at the Hombu dojo. Sensei Mills and Sensei Havey had been training and teaching at the Etobicoke Olympium since the late 1980’s.

The Etobicoke Olympium seemed to be the right location for the new dojo. An application was made to the Hombu to register and accredit a new dojo. The hombu gave the name Sendokan to the dojo at the Olympium.