Instructors
Head Instructor: Sensei Derek Bindner
Derek Bindner is a martial arts instructor, speaker, facilitator and trainer in the area of self-improvement, and self-management training. Derek is the Founder and CEO of Aikido Network, an organization with the purpose to empower and inspire people to transform their lives as they step into their greatness.Since 1997, Derek has been coaching, mentoring and teaching people to overcome self-limiting beliefs, to capture their goals and realize their full potential. As a martial arts instructor and coach to children, men and women early in his career, and, most recently, facilitating transformational seminars. His passionate and empowering workshops throughout South Western Ontario, have enabled hundreds to create the life of their dreams.
His work is done primarily through high-quality martial arts classes and as well as workshops, seminars, retreats, corporate training and mentoring. Derek continues his journey of self-discovery and breakthroughs everyday and dedicates his life to supporting others in finding power and balance in their relationships, mental and physical fitness, and overall health. He is a leading expert on managing conflict and stress.
After many years of martial arts training, completing an instructor course in Kamakura, Japan in May of 2010, and mentoring by master teachers and facilitators, employed as an executive and close protection professional, a head door person and participating in seminars, Derek is now a sought after speaker for his experience and insights.
Derek has been a facilitator for organizations such as: The University of Western Ontario, Huron and Brescia University Colleges, Fanshawe College, Lambton and Frontier Colleges, Oakridge, Banting, Montcalm and Central Secondary Schools, John Dearness Public School, Masonville, St Theresa and Byron Southwood elementary schools, 3M, the London Public Library, Cartier Partners Financial Group, CultureWorks, Hutton House, London Protection International and Event Security Investigation Specialists.
He is a registered, and certified Instructor with the Aikido Yoshinkan Foundation, in Tokyo Japan. Holding a third degree black belt, Derek most recently completed the instructors course in Kamakura, Japan in May of 2010. As well as holding rank in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Seikido, Derek has many years experience in Ken-jitsu, and wrestling. Derek also holds police fine screening status.
His education extends from the University of Western Ontario in psychology and sociology, to Rainmaker training at Technology Mentors Inc. Derek is a certified graphic designer, and worked in the commercial industry for seven years, prior to teaching martial arts. He started training in Aikido in 1987, and in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in 1994.
Black Belt Instructors
 Teresa MacDonald | Sempai Teresa (B.A, U.W.O.) successfully completed a Women’s Self-Defense course from the Aikido Network in 2001. This achievement provided the motivation to begin training in Yoshinkan Aikido. In 2005, Teresa received her Black Belt in Aikido. She teaches adults and children at the Aikido Network and continues to train in Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu.
Her hobbies include origami (Japanese paper-folding), reading, and fitness walks. |
 | Matt has been studying Aikido under Sensei Bindner since 2001. He enjoys helping with the kids' Aikido classes on Wednesday nights. Matt holds an honours degree in Kinesiology, works as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic, and teaches in the paramedic program at Fanshawe College. His hobbies include mountain biking, sailing, and playing drums. |
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 | David has been studying Aikido under Sensei Bindner since 2005. David holds a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. He is semi-retired and teaches at the University of Western Ontario and helps a colleague conduct psychological/vocational assessments, both on a part-time bases. His hobbies include research, reading, playing tennis and hockey, jogging, weight lifting, and archery. |
Brown Belt Instructors
Jiu-jitsu Instructors
 Tyler Crawford |
Tyler's involvement in combative sports started many (yes, MANY) years ago in freestyle wrestling. Through his involvement in wrestling he learned the importance of hard training and focus as determinants of success. His first experience in traditional martial arts was in Judo, followed soon after by Karate in which he earned his black belt. Tyler was drawn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a self-defense method that allows the practitioner to neutralize physical threats without seriously injuring the attacker, and for the ability to train and practice at nearly-full intensity. After training and successfully competing in Jiu Jitsu for several years (earning multiple gold and silver medals), he has become an enthusiastic advocate for the sport. Tyler is very interested in helping people develop to their full potential in Jiu Jitsu. His goal is to see others find a love for this great sport and discipline, just as he has. |
Assistant Instructors
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 | I began studying Aikido in the fall of 2008, after my son began classes as a physical and social activity to add to his home schooling studies. Now as an assistant instructor I enjoy working with the kids in the children’s class. I feel it’s as much a benefit to me as it is for them. Also my son thinks it’s pretty cool to call his dad sempai. Other activities that occupy my time are working on math and science projects with my son, vegetable gardening and fresh water aquariums. |
Student Services
 | Jessica Roth, Student services since 2009 |
Office Administrator
 MaryAnn Kennard |