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Toxic Masculinity

woman Aikido Toronto

Both men and women can be strong and confident without being arrogant or unnecessarily aggressive.

 “Toxic Masculinity” is not allowed in Aikido practice. Training is for women and men together, with mutual respect and recognition of physical differences. Over the years, I have had to tell two men to leave the dojo specifically because they reveled in hurting the female students. Fortunately, they were highly exceptional and in no way representative of the vast majority of men on the mat.

The typical attitudes and behaviors of those who demonstrate toxic masculinity usually make it unlikely that they would start, let alone stay with, Aikido training. That is too bad in that macho males might be helped in overcoming their negative inclinations through the atmosphere and examples in the dojo.

For a good discussion of Toxic Masculinity, go to the following website:

https://greenhillrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Toxic-Masculinity-vs.-Healthy-Masculinity-Green%E2%80%A6.pdf

Testimonials

What our students say

★★★★★ 5.0 on Google

★★★★★

Love the Aikido training here under Sensei George and his senior students. Been learning a lot since I joined after covid. Good folks that help you along the way. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. So much to learn, best gift you can get is improving yourself every step along the way.

NikGoogle review

★★★★★

Sensei Hewson is an example and teaches with both the background of old Bushido and modern Western essence; having the sensitivity to be both gentle and stern as an instructor. The assistant instructors are committed to Aikido … and teach beginners with patience.

Bryan G.Google review

★★★★★

Traditional Dojo atmosphere with great training partners.

Roman Z.Google review