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.