Don Dickie was born in 1952 and knew he was different at the age of eleven. In 1980 he came out to his family and friends. At the same time he began practicing Aikido. He has been the Chief Instructor of the Ottawa Aikikai since 1990 and holds the rank of 6th Dan in Aikido and 3rd Dan in Tae Kwon Do. He follows a daily meditation practice as a practicing Buddhist. Professionally, he holds a PhD in statistics and measurement, an MSc and BSc in Kinesiology, and a BSc in Cognitive Psychology. His kinesiology and psychology backgrounds have influenced how he teaches Aikido. His first book, Data Analysis and Sampling Simplified, A Practical Guidance for Internal Auditors, was published by the Institute of Internal Auditors Foundation in August 2019. 

The following year he published his first book of poetry about Aikido, Silent Winds of Aikido that summarizes much of his personal teachings. In 2022 his second book of poetry, Reflections on Aikido, Life’s Everyday Lessons, reminds us that Aikido is more than physical technique that applauds athleticism and crowd appeal. There is a dimension of personal and societal development hidden in the founder’s lectures and dokas. Both books are suitable for anyone who wrestles with the balance between technique and awareness. 

Also in 2022, Don published his third book of poetry, Family and Friends Along the Way. This book is a lens into his life, particularly the trials of being a white gay male in Corporate Canada as well as martial arts. The book follows his footsteps as he agrees to start a family and welcome a son into the world and his meeting with his long time husband Roger. It is a different family for sure, but full of love, humour and companionship just the same.

Don lives in Ottawa, Canada. Every morning during his meditation, he looks out upon a small backyard in a quiet suburb. He shares his life with a wonderful husband, shaman, and tantrika, Roger.