Instructors

Dan Read has been training in martial arts for 35 years, and teaching Hapkido for almost 30. In addition to Hapkido, Dan has a well-rounded background in a variety of other fighting arts, including Karate, Kendo, Tai Chi, and Escrima, as well as historical European martial arts and modern approaches to self-defence. He has trained in Japan for two years, where he studied Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, the style from which both Hapkido and Aikido originate.

Hapkido is a versatile Korean martial art that combines kicking and hand striking with joint-locking and throwing techniques, as well as weapons techniques at higher levels. Hapkido training emphasizes physical fitness, effective self-defence training, and practice that balances challenge with safety.

Aikido is based on the principle of non-conflict. In Aikido, one uses powerful circular movements to blend with an opponent’s attact and redirect the attack into a throw or immobilization, bringing the conflict to a peaceful resolution. Aikido helps develop one’s flexibility, stability, and coordination of body and mind.

Alex is a direct student of Ono Yōtarō-sensei of the Chōfūkan Dōjō in Kyōto, Japan, who is the 16th lineal headmaster of the Bitchū-den linegage of Takenouchi-ryū Bu-jutsu, one of Japan’s oldest and most respected martial traditions. Takenouchi-ryū is recognized by historians as the first school of jū-jutsu. Alex is the highest ranked teacher of Takenouchi-ryū in Canada. He is ranked as a Shihandai (associate master) by Ono-sensei. He regularly hosts seminars by teachers from Japan as well as leading trips to Japan for direct training with the masters of this art.

Alex commenced his martial training in 1976 and in the decades that have followed studied a number of disciplines from various countries before having the opportunity to learn the classical Japanese martial arts while living in Japan in the 1990s. He holds black belts and licences in four different martial arts. After decades of such varied training, he came to appreciate the comprehensive subject matter of Takenouchi- ryū, the dynamic combative effectiveness it has maintained for five centuries, and the transformative potential it holds for its students. Alex has been an instructor for the UBC Sports and Recreation Program since 1997 during which time he has taught literally hundreds of students the classical martial arts. During that time, he has developed methods for how to best leverage their inherent abilities/attributes and realize their potential. He has been pleased to see over the years the multi-fold ways in which the training has benefited students from a variety of backgrounds.

Alex is the author of five publications on the Japanese language, has written for Black Belt magazine, and is a recognized expert on Japanese martial culture.

Ken began training with the UBC Judo Club in 1995 and has been instructing with UBC Judo for the past 10 years. During his time at UBC he has also had the opportunity to train with other martial arts clubs including the former UBC Arnis Club and former UBC Sambo club.

He believes that Judo is taught as both a sport and a martial art. The UBC Judo club focuses equally on the various aspects of judo. As a sport, it is a fun and high-intensity activity, which develops overall strength and endurance.

Gosha has been training Muay Thai since 2009 and has invested his time in several professional gyms, including ones overseas. He was taught the fundamentals of the sport by Chase Ingalls, a 4-time Muay Thai world champion. Presently, he is attending the Engineering Physics program at UBC, and primarily training in Sanshou with the UBC Kung Fu club.

Gosha strongly believes in both the physical and mental benefits of martial arts. He strives to make a friendly and easy-going environment where everyone has an opportunity to achieve their goals. Outside the gym, Gosha enjoys road cycling, kayaking, and taking time away from the desk for some calisthenics.

Teaching younger generations ’How Not to Fight’ with training how to use the sword most effectively