What is 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.

Ella Moreau Sensei, 1st kyu, Rock Water Aikikai (Victoria)

Ella Sensei embarked on her Aikido training at the age of 7 in 2013, and has accumulated 11 years of experience in the discipline since. She has achieved intermediate black belt in the under-18 program and the rank of 1st kyu in the CAF adult program. She is currently ITP Senpai in her dojo, meaning that she is the most senior instructor in the 'Instructor Training Program', a program she has been in for seven years. She speaks fluent French and English, and hopes to learn Japanese in the near future! Many ask, "What is it about Aikido that you Love?" The adrenaline rush, the exhilarating and dynamic nature, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes it a delightful experience to forge new friendships. She has a deep love for aikido, recognising what a truly transformative force it has been in making her a better person.

Alex Tsvik Sensei, 2nd kyu, BigRock Aikikai (Calgary)

Alex Sensei is 19 years old and in her second year of university. She started Aikido in 2010 at the age of 5 with BigRock Aikikai instructors Kevin Ellwood Sensei and Steve Erickson Sensei. She has attended many seminars in Calgary and Vancouver taught by senior Canadian Aikido Federation instructors including Osawa Sensei, Yumi Nakamura Sensei, Jim Barns Sensei and George Hewson Sensei to name just a few. She currently holds the rank of junior black belt in the U18 program, and 2nd kuy in the CAF. In January 2023, she started the first preschool Aikido program in Calgary. Her commitment to the child, youth, and teen classes at her dojo has earned her the title of Seishidosha (full instructor). She sits on several committees in her dojo and community including BigRock Aikikai’s technical committee which lays out the U18 curriculum, the Ferocious and Female committee, in which she has led 2 fundraisers for charities, and an annual Ferocious and Female camp. She represents her dojo in the Alberta Aikido Association. In the fall of 2023, she started to co-run BigRock Aikikai’s satellite dojo, Cardel Rec.

<Engaging Activities>

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

  • Aikido Weapons Classes: Explore Aikido through specialized weapons training sessions led by seasoned instructors. Weapon classes may be held outside, weather permitting.

  • 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.

  • Bonfire (Weather Permitting): Gather around the bonfire for an evening of camaraderie, stories, and laughter, weather permitting.

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

<TENtative Schedule>

May 18th, Saturday

12:30 – 1:00 pm Arriving Camp Dunlop
1:00 – 2:00 pm Orientation
2:00 – 2:50 pm Aikido Class with Alex sensei
3:00 – 3:50 pm Aikido class with Ella sensei
4:00 – 4:50 pm Aikido wealpon 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 19th, 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 Alex sensei  
3:00 – 3:50 pm Aikido class with Ella sensei
4:00 – 4:50 pm Aikido weapon 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 20th, 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>

Fee options One Night   Two Nights  
Camp Fee* $125 $250
Drop-in rate $15/class  
Day activities on the 18th with dinner   $60  
Day activities on the 19th with lunch   $80  
Dinner on the 19th   $15  

*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, 20th). Seats can be booked through the registration link below. Seats are limited.

<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.

<Contact>

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

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