Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the airport from the seminar and what would be the best way (and reasonable price) to travel from the airport?

The airport is close to the city, but we don’t have a train that runs between. Public Transit includes the #300 Express bus to downtown, which costs $3.80 and takes about 45 minutes. See yyc.com for more details.

Another option is a ride-share (Uber, Lyft) or taxi for $50-ish, or you could use one of the airport hotel shuttles that leave the airport to downtown areas regularly.

Can you recommend a hotel near the Seminar?

We are currently working to get an event hotel in place for the seminar with preferred rates. Once we do we will post a section here to keep you informed. The locations we are looking at are within walking distance of the seminar and downtown amenities.

Is there parking for the event?

There is plenty of parking near the venue. There is $5 parking on Saturday and Sunday directly adjacent to the Calgary Chinese Cultural Center on the western side of the building. There is also $1 parking per 12 hours on weekends in the Harmony Parkade about two blocks from the venue. Street parking is also plentiful and reasonable on Saturday and free on Sunday. For Friday, parking is more expensive before 6pm, but readily available as well.

How about local transit to the area?

Calgary’s LRT (called the “C-Train”) runs east-west on 7th avenue and services much of the city. It is a 4-block walk from this LRT line to the venue. There is also extensive bus service to the area.

Can all levels of Aikido students participate in the seminar?

Yes! All levels are welcome from age 13 and up.

Is there an opportunity for younger kids?

Yes, there is a children’s session (ages 6 - 12) with Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan on Thursday, August 28 at 6:30pm. This will be conducted at our regular dojo space, not at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. Visit our dojo homepage for more details.

Are there places to eat near the seminar venue?

Chinatown has dozens of food establishments within a few minutes’ walk of the seminar. Snacks, groceries, coffee, lunch and dinner are readily available and reasonably priced.

What is the Saturday evening banquet?

No anniversary seminar is complete without a celebration banquet! Everyone is invited to come and dine together to mark another milestone in the history of Calgary Aikikai. More details to come on this event. Budget for roughly $45 - $75 per person and the dress code is usually “business casual”.

What else is there to do in Calgary?

Calgary is a modern city of 1.4 million people. Museums, Galleries, nightlife and neighbourhoods to explore are within easy walking distance from the seminar venue. We recommend taking in the country around Calgary as well. The Rocky Mountains of Banff and Canmore, Kananaskis Country, Dinosaur Park and Drumheller are absolutely worth a visit. Check out our partner site Tourism Calgary for more ideas.

I’ve heard that Calgary is famous for its Cowboy culture. Where can I get me some of that?

Visit the Travel Alberta website for some Western-specific ideas and explore Calgary’s fascinating history.

Can anyone participate in the Advanced Ukemi Workshop with Shirakawa Shihan?

While there is no minimum rank or ability required to register for this pre-seminar workshop, you should be aware that the content is intended for those who have at least a moderate practical ability to take ukemi. If basic rolls are a challenge or if you’ve never taken a breakfall before, this workshop may not be for you. Use your discretion.