Embedded Files
Seikeikan Aikido in Burlington & Oakville!
Seikeikan Aikido in Burlington & Oakville!
Sensei Springer explains the origins of Seikeikan
In 1956 Masatoshi (Bill) Umetsu started a Judo club in Burlington, Ontario. He called it Seikeikan Judo Club. Umetsu sensei was a very strong competitor and was particularly skilled in mat work. He was so strong that he was nicknamed "the human hoist".
The name was derived from the fact that if he was held down on his back on the ground he could pick up his opponent and turn his opponent off himself and then pin him on the ground so that he could not escape. His tachi waza consisted of techniques to take the opponent to the ground. So you might guess that Sutemi Waza techniques were his favourites.
However, he was particularly good at Tai Otoshi, and Uki Goshi. Both Umetsu brothers were strong judoka. Jack (Toru) was very very quick as I found out when I practiced with him. He didn't practice as much at the Seikeikan.
While Seikeikan.ca began its deep history as a Judo club, it is now exclusively/primarily an Aikido dojo.
We remain deeply connected to our roots, while striving for a bright future. The Symbol that is used for Seikeikan.ca is the plum blossom "ume". This was the crest that Umetsu sensei used as a family crest.
Seikeikan.ca's UME, japanese plum blossom crest.
Seikeikan
Developing Character
Developing Character
The concept of Seikeikan deals with the idea that, to learn a martial art, is to learn the lessons of life. Umetsu sensei was skilled in the Japanese Language and he particularly was fond of the derivation of characters.
The characters on the left: The first character "Sei" is derived from a old character for a tool used in the honing of wood. He uses that character to describe the lessons of life, because he said it is from the lessons of life that a person should fine tune his or her character.
The second character, "Kei", deals with a foot path or if you wish the foot path of life that we all walk. Kan of course means a practice hall. So the term Seikeikan as Umetsu sensei meant it to be means:
"A practice place for honing your character as you walk the path of life"
"A practice place for honing your character as you walk the path of life"
Historical and other References
Historical and other References
Judoka: L'histoire du judo au Canada : References Seikeikan as starting in 1946.
Masatoshi Umetsu's Great Niece visiting Seikeikan in 2024.
Masatoshi Umetsu listed in the Judo Canada Hall of fame.
Sekeikan.ca continues to be connected to our Judo roots at Full Circle Judo.
A recollection: My First (and only) Practice With Umetsu Sensei. ( pdf )
In the News 1
In the News 1
An Interview with F. Springer Sensei in the 1970's (part1)
In the News 2
In the News 2
Photos Featuring C. Demysh / R. Angus, L Finch and D. Ide 1970s
Interview with F. Springer by Dave De Jong (photos)
Interview with F. Springer by Dave De Jong (photos)
Sometimes call one of the gentle martial arts, judo would appear to be a sport of opposites. Its a sport where size is not an advance or disadvantage in that the smallest of players can throw the largest - if the right techniques are used.
Yet, according to Fred Springer, of of four instructors are the Seikeikan Judo Club in Burlington, its is also a sport that teaches great discipline and respect.
"The aggressive kids tend to become less aggressive," Springer said. " The kids that come in with real aggressive tendencies usually find out very quickly what can happen. And those kids who are non-agressive when they start become a little more aggressive. Judo can be an equalizer."
Despite the seeming dangerous aspects fo the sport, Springer said there are very few injuries in judo. "Players have a very strong disipline," he said, adding steps can be taken if players fail to release a dangerous hold."
The Seikeikan club the oldest martial arts club in the city was founded in 1959 and as recently had one of its members find great success in world competition.
Ron Angus ....student at Lord Elgin high School is currently the Swedish middleweight champion after winning a tournament in that country last year. He also placed fourth in the British and Dutch championships and is third in Canada.
Last year he trained eight months with the top judo players in Europe, including British light-heavyweight champion Dave Starbrook. Most recently Angus won the middleweight division at the Quebec Open tournament at the Olympic Velodrome in Montreal.
Bill Umetsu, head Sensei (teacher) at Seikeikan, probably best emulates the gentle nature of judo. A Sixth Dan from Japan, Umetsu is a landscape gardener. He is assissted in teaching at the club by Wally Watkins, a vice principle at M.M. Robinson High School; Springer a teacher at Holy Rosary Separate School, and Larry Finch. All four pay dues to the club and teach on a voluntary basis. Dues are $12 per month for three nights a week and the club is considering starting a ladies self-defense class for 10-week sessions. The club is also willing do do demonstrations with a least two weeks notice. Call Springer at XXX-XXX if interested.
Seikeikan Judo
Seikeikan Judo
Seikeikan Dogi Crest
Top row: "Seikeikan"
Bottom row: "Judo Hall"
Earn Blackbelts
Earn Blackbelts
1970s Article Featuring Seikeikan Judo and R. Angus!
Seikeikan Aikido Through the Years!
Seikeikan Aikido Through the Years!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse