Fran Turner

Fran Turner is a rokudan, or sixth degree black belt — one of a handful of women in Canada who hold this rank or higher. She is ranked through Aikido World Headquarters at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo and through the Canadian Aikido Federation.

Since Fran started her study of Aikido in Copenhagen in 1974, she has trained in Washington, D.C., and Toronto. She has managed her own club, or dojo, since 1984. She has also taught Aikido and self-defence for women through the Toronto Board of Education and the Recreation and Athletics Centre at Ryerson Polytechnical University. Always interested in body movement, Fran has studied modern dance, yoga, and Alexander technique. At the end of her very first Aikido class, she knew she was hooked for life. Fran Turner Sensei is currently a Canadian Aikido Federation Shidoin for the southern Ontario region.

See the interview with Fran Turner.

Gabriel DiMarco

Gabriel (Gabe) DiMarco has been practicing Aikido since 1992 with Fran Turner Sensei and currently holds the rank of sandan. His Aikido has been influenced by Clyde Takeguchi Sensei of Capital Aikikai (Washington, DC), Donovan Waite Sensei of Aikido of City Center (Philadelphia) and Bill Collins Sensei.

Gabe has also trained in Iwama, Japan as a uchideshi with Morihiro Saito Sensei and in San Leandro, California with Pat Hendricks Sensei. S.Barton Sensei (Golden Triangle Aikido, Kitchener) has also provided Gabe with instruction in Iwama ryu taijitsu and weapons.

Recently, Gabe visited and trained at Manseikan Aikido (Kumamoto City, Japan) with K. Sunadomari Sensei and Hamada Shihan Cho.

Instructors Team

Instructors Team 2010


Senior students at Aikido Shugyo Dojo share the teaching responsibilities.