Grand River Aikido

I'm a black belt who just started training with Sensei Lee at Grand River Aikido. He has a very deep level of understanding and is a very high-calibre teacher with excellent technique. His insights and expertise keep my full attention throughout each class. Aikido is growing and Guelph is lucky to have this resource.Aikido is an almost magical martial art created by one of the last true Japanese Samurais. The more you give up using strength, the better you get, because it's based on blending, redirecting, awareness, sensitivity, balance, and timing.It's cooperative training, where you learn how to do techniques and have them done to you safely and without fighting. By the time you're a green belt, you'll be doing them at full speed with your partners, without injury, and you'll just keep getting better. It's also pretty cool and amazes your friends. :-)People join because they resonate with the non-violent philosophy of using techniques that control people without hurting them unnecessarily, and stay because it's fun, effective, and fascinating to learn.It's broken down and taught like a science across a growing network of Dojos connected to Japan and with time, you'll get the expertise to become a recognized Sensei yourself.There's adults and kids classes. Drop in to watch or try a class for free. It's a couple doors up from The Flower Barrel downtown at 7:30PM, Monday's and Wednesday's. Look for the Karate sign. We're sharing their space in the basement.

I'm very happy to have found Grand River Aikido, Sensei Lee and the other students of this dojo. With very little prior martial arts experience and no knowledge of Aikido, I immediately felt welcome and comfortable training with the fantastic group of people at this dojo. There are a number of other beginners to train with, and the more advanced students and black belts are patient in helping to teach the basic movements and various techniques. I would recommend Grand River Aikido to anyone looking to explore a martial art or just be more physically active.

I visited Grand River Aikido as my first class in any martial art. As soon as I entered I was warmly welcomed and treated really well. This lasted throughout. It was a fun group and I felt like I got a lot of good initial insights into this art. The instructor (and other black belts) were terrific. Highly recommend this dojo.

Great teacher, great class, great atmosphere. Very fun and you can learn at your own pace.