Information about the 2025 Aikido Spring Seminar
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Preview
We believe it’s important to maintain close ties with the Tokyo headquarters and, by extension, the Ueshiba family.
We have therefore invited Takanori Kuribayashi Shihan, who is a regular instructor at the Hombu Dojo.
Of course, his technical expertise is beyond question, and his engaging personality has made him a well-respected instructor worldwide.
This will be his first visit to North America, and we hope you will join us in welcoming him and taking advantage of his teaching.
Table of Contents
1. General information about the Spring Seminar
Dates:
From Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, June 1, 2025
Location:
McGill University Sports Centre, 475 Pine Ave W, Montreal (QC) H2W 1S4
Practice:
We will have up to 300 tatamis available to ensure a safe, high-quality practice at McGill University Sports Centre.
A snack will be provided between the 2nd and 3rd classes on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, after the rank tests, we will have a 5 à 7 at our dojo, which is located right next to the McGill University Sports Centre.
Seminar schedule:
Saturday
Practice: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Test: 4:15 p.m.
5@7: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Aikido de la montagne Dojo, 3724 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, Canada H2X 2J1
Sunday
Practice: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
| Time | Saturday May 31st | Time | Sunday June 1st |
| 11h30 to 12h30 | Kuribayashi Sensei | 09h30 to 10h30 | Kuribayashi Sensei |
| 12h30 to 13h30 | Kuribayashi Sensei | 10h30 to 11h30 | Kuribayashi Sensei |
| 13h30 to 14h00 | Rest | 11h30 to 12h30 | Kuribayashi Sensei |
| 14h00 to 15h00 | Kuribayashi Sensei | ||
| 15h00 to 16h00 | Berthiaume Sensei | ||
| 16h15 | Exams | ||
| 5@7 | Aikido de la Montagne Dojo |
2. Visitor’s Guide
Welcome to the 2025 Aikido Annual Spring Seminar!
We are delighted to welcome you for two unforgettable days of Aikido practice, city exploration, and fun community moments.
This guide will help you navigate the city, discover new restaurants, and enjoy Montreal’s vibrant life.
This document is designed to give you all the information you need to make the most of your stay at the seminar.
From transportation tips to restaurant recommendations and festivals, you’ll find everything you need here.
Our goal is to ensure you have a memorable experience during your stay in Montreal.
Logistics at McGill University Sports Centre
There are day lockers available for free, but they must be emptied by the end of the day. Locks are not provided for lockers but are available for purchase at the Client Experience Office.
Public Transportation Guide
Montreal’s public transportation system, operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), is extensive and reliable.
It includes buses and a metro network that makes it easy to get around the city.
Ticket Information
There are two types of tickets: the disposable paper “Occasionnelle” card and the rechargeable OPUS chip card.
All cards allow you to travel by train, metro, or bus.
For occasional travellers, the “Occasionnelle” card might be a better option.
You can buy them in metro stations (at vending machines or from station agents).
Single tickets, day passes, and weekly passes are available.
Bus Network:
- How to Read Bus Schedules:
Bus schedules are posted at bus stops and available online. They indicate the times buses are expected to arrive at each stop along their routes. - Key Bus Routes:
Major routes serving the McGill University Sports Centre: 144 (Along Avenue des Pins, providing access to McGill University and Plateau Mont-Royal), 24 (Along Sherbrooke Street, connecting downtown Montreal to Westmount), 107 (Connecting McGill to Verdun, passing through downtown), 80 (Along Avenue du Parc, connecting downtown to Mile End and Parc-Extension). - Tips for Using the Bus System:
Use the Chrono app or Google Maps to track buses and plan your trips.
Metro Network:
- Overview of the metro lines:
Montreal’s metro has four lines: Green, Orange, Yellow, and Blue. Each line serves different parts of the city, with major transfer points at Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM. - Closest metro stations:
McGill (green line – 15 min walk), Sherbrooke (orange line – 22 min walk or take bus 144 Oest), Place des Art (green line – 18 min walk or take bus 129 Nord). - How to navigate the metro stations:
Look for signs indicating the direction of travel and the line color. Maps are available in stations and on trains. - Tips for Using the Metro:
Metro service generally runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on weekends).
Avoid rush hours (7:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.) for less crowding.
Fares and Passes:
- Fare options and prices:
- Single ride: $3.75
- Day pass: $11
- Weekly pass: $31.
- How to purchase tickets and passes:
Buy at the metro station vending machines or from station agents, at authorized retailers, or online. - Reduced fares:
Reduced fares are available for seniors and students.
Dining Options
Montreal is renowned for its diverse and lively culinary scene, influenced by French, Italian, and many other cuisines.
Restaurants by neighbourhood:
- Downtown:
- Restaurant Toqué!:
High-end French cuisine, famous for its tasting menu. - Schwartz’s Deli:
Famous for its smoked meat sandwiches.
- Restaurant Toqué!:
- Old Montreal:
- Garde Manger:
Innovative seafood dishes by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. - Olive et Gourmando:
A popular bakery and café with great brunch options.
- Garde Manger:
- Plateau Mont-Royal:
- La Banquise:
Iconic poutine spot with a wide variety of toppings. - Ma Poule Mouillée:
Portuguese roasted chicken. - Le P’tit Plateau:
Cozy French bistro known for its duck confit.
- La Banquise:
- Mile End:
- St-Viateur Bagel:
One of the best bagel shops in the city. - Fairmount Bagel:
Another top contender for the best bagels.
- St-Viateur Bagel:
Signature Montreal cuisine:
- Poutine:
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Try it at La Banquise. - Bagels:
Montreal-style bagels are a must. Visit St-Viateur or Fairmount. - Smoked Meat:
Schwartz’s Deli is the go-to spot for this Montreal classic.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options:
- Lola Rosa:
A popular vegetarian restaurant with several locations. - Aux Vivres:
A vegan restaurant offering a variety of delicious dishes.
Budget-Friendly Eats:
- Boustan:
Great for quick Lebanese food. - Patati Patata:
Small place known for its affordable poutine and burgers.
Festivals and Events
Summer Festivals:
- First Fridays – The Montreal street food:
Every first weekend of the month, celebrate world cuisine at Canada’s largest annual street food gathering and be sure not to miss the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the communities with First Friday’s Cultural Street. - Festival TransAmériques (May 22-Jun 5):
A cutting-edge dance and theatre festival showcasing experimental performances from around the world
Weekly Events and Activities:
- Outdoor Concerts:
Enjoy free outdoor concerts in places like Place des Arts and Parc La Fontaine. - Street Fairs and Markets:
Explore local vendors, food stalls, and crafts in various street fairs and markets like Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market. - Shakespeare in the Park:
Every summer, over 13,000 people gather in Montreal and surrounding parks to enjoy the Bard’s language and the magic of live theatre. The tour visits parks in different neighborhoods. Check park schedules here: https://www.repercussiontheatre.com/summer-tour-2025/
Cultural Attractions:
- Museums and Galleries:
Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Pointe-à-Callière Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. - Historic Sites:
Tour Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Old Port.
Nature and Outdoors:
- Parks and Green Spaces:
Spend time in Mount Royal Park, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and the Montreal Botanical Garden. - Mount Royal:
Climb up to Kondiaronk lookout for a panoramic view of the city.
3. Rates
| Discounted Price | Regular Price | |
| 2 days | $170 CAD | $190 CAD |
| Saturday | $140 CAD | $170 CAD |
| Sunday | $100 CAD | $110 CAD |
All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Note: Any cancellation will incur a 10% fee.
4. Accommodations
Note that all suggested accommodations are located within a 10 to 15 minute walk of the McGill University Sports Centre.