SENSEI

AIKIDO INSTITUTE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
MEMBER DOJO OF UNITED STATES AIKIDO FEDERATION

Dermot McDonald 6th Dan - Shihan

Dermot McDonald began his practice/study of Aikido in 1972 under the direction of Graham Burt Sensei, who had come from England, where he had been a student of Senseis Nakazono and Abe.

In 1977 Burt Sensei encouraged Dermot to open another dojo to help spread and develop Aikido.  McDonald did so and it remains today the Aikido Institute of Newfoundland, where Dermot continues to train and to teach enthusiastically.

Sadly, in 1979 Burt Sensei passed away; it was revealed, however, that in his will he had left Dermot his sword. This was a great honour, of course, and was interpreted to mean... please continue.

Realizing that he still needed a teacher, shortly thereafter Dermot attached himself to Yamada Sensei of New York Aikikai. Over the years, McDonald says he has been very fortunate to have trained under many of O Sensei's original students and foremost Aikido Masters.

Currently Dermot holds the rank of 6th Dan and is a certified Shihan - Master Instructor.