Don Dickie has been practicing Aikido since 1980 and has been the Chief Instructor of the Ottawa Aikikai since 1990. He holds the teaching rank of Shihan (Master Instructor) and the rank of 6th Dan. He also holds a 3rd Dan rank 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.

Don lives in Gatineau, Quebec, across the Ottawa River from Ottawa. Every morning during his meditation, he looks out upon the Ottawa River and enjoys the serenity of the river and his gardens. He shares his life with a wonderful husband, shaman, and tantrika, Roger, and their long-haired, silver tabby cat Davie.