Kevin McDonald began practicing Aikido in 1973 under the tutelage of Graham Burt Sensei (1937 - 1979), the first Newfoundland Aikido Sensei.

Kevin was awarded Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) on November 17, 1978, by the late Mitsunari Kanai Shihan of New England Aikikai. His current rank of Godan, (Fifth Degree Black Belt), was awarded to him by Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan in January, 2008 and his Shidoin certification granted to him in January, 2007.

Over the years Kevin’s Aikido development has been influenced largely by the late Kanai Shihan of New England Aikikai and Yamada Shihan of New York Aikikai. while conducting seminars in Newfoundland since 1975. Other instructors instrumental in his development and fascination with Aikido include Massimo N. di Villadorata Sensei of Montreal Aikikai. and Claude Berthiaume Shihan of Aikido de la Montagne

Kevin’s Aikido development has been additionally enhanced through his study of Aikido in various locations throughout the United States and Canada. He has spent a number of years intermittently practicing in New York Aikikai, as well as in New Jersey, Toronto, Alberta and British Columbia.

Over the years Kevin has been also involved with the Newfoundland and Labrador Aikido Association holding various executive positions during the late seventies and early eighties.

Bill McDonald began practicing Aikido in 1973 under the tutelage of Graham Burt Sensei (1937 - 1979), the first Newfoundland Aikido Sensei and the originator of Aikido in Newfoundland and Canada. Graham Burt would also come to be one of Bill's closest friends. Bill spent six years under the direction and study of Graham Burt Sensei.

Bill was awarded 1st kyu by Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan on Janurary 29, 1977 and Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) on November 17, 1978, by the late Mitsunari Kanai Shihan of New England Aikikai. His current rank of Yondan, (Fourth Degree Black Belt) was awarded to him by Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan in December, 2005 and his Shidoin certification granted to him in January 2007. Bill's Aikido development has been influenced largely by the late Mitsunari Kanai Shihan of New England Aikikai and Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan of New York Aikikai while conducting seminars in Newfoundland since 1975. Other instructors instrumental in his Aikido development include Massimo N. di Villadorata Sensei of Montreal Aikikai. and Claude Berthiaume Shihan of Aikido de la Montagne.

Over the years there has been a host of Instructors from the United States and Canada who have contributed to Bill's continued interest in and study of Aikido.

During the past three decades Bill has also been involved as Executive Secretary of the Newfoundland and Labrador Aikido Association and has held the position of President for seven consecutive years from the mid-eighties to the early nineties.