Steve Nickerson, 4th Dan

The Makotokan Dojo Chief Instructor, Steve Nickerson Sensei, is a 4th Degree Black Belt whose international teaching licence and Black Belt certificate were issued by the Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Nickerson Sensei began his Aikido training in 1992 and served as the Chief Instructor of the Buseikan Dojo in Borden, Ontario until 1997. During this time, he was involved in an intensive program of Aikido training under the guidance of Sensei'’s Fred Haynes (7th Dan), Alister Thomson (7th Dan) and Jim Stewart (7th Dan). As a result of the training and support he received, Nickerson Sensei received his Shodan and instructors certificate from Soke Gozo Shioda in 1994.

In 1995, Nickerson Sensei was a participant in the first ever International Instructor’s Gasshuku held in Japan. During his stay in Japan, Nickerson Sensei received training from the highest ranked Yoshinkan Aikido Instructors in the world. That same year, he was honoured by the Canadian Forces when he was awarded with the Canadian Forces Command Athlete of the Year in recognition of his leadership, service to the community and his accomplishments in Yoshinkan Aikido.

While serving in the Canadian Forces, Nickerson Sensei relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he established the opening of his new Dojo, the Makotokan, in 1997. While in Halifax, he served on a Canadian Patrol Ship. During his tour, Nickerson Sensei served on the Ship’s Boarding Team where he obtained further training in Empty Hand Control, Mechanical Restraints, Intermediate Weapons and Small Arms. Nickerson Sensei also holds certification in Pressure Point and Unarmed Tactics and has conducted seminars to several groups including Infantry Unarmed Combat, Military Police, Law Enforcement and Naval Boarding Team personnel.

Nickerson Sensei left the Canadian Forces in 1999 after serving 12 years and receiving the Canadian Decoration (CD Medal). In 2001, he moved from Halifax and opened a second Dojo in Kingston, Nova Scotia under the Makotokan name. In addition to operating both Dojos, Nickerson Sensei owns and operates his own business, a Philatelic Proprietorship. Nickerson Sensei also teaches Aikido curriculums at several Private and Public Schools and provides technical support to Aikido Dojos in New Brunswick. For the past year Nickerson Sensei served as a Commissioner for Kingston and most recently was elected as the Chairman (similar to Mayor) of the Kingston Commission which is a Municipal Government body that governs the Village. Nickerson Sensei is dedicated to furthering the growth of Yoshinkan Aikido and works tirelessly to this end.