Welcome to Grand River Aikido
We are the only school of Yoshinkan Aikido in the Guelph and Centre Wellington area. We are located at 45 Dawson Rd, Guelph.
We offer a unique Japanese martial art, derived from the combat techniques of the Samurai, that is compatible with the whole family. Our dojo is located in Guelph, Ontario, and we service Guelph, Centre Wellington and the surrounding area. Anyone is welcome to come and train with us.
Yoshinkan Aikido is not a sport like some Tae Kwon Do styles, MMA, Boxing, some Karate styles, Wrestling and some Jiu Jutsu styles etc. There are no competitions. In fact, many of the techniques we practice are not allowed under most competition rules. This does not make Yoshinkan Aikido superior to other arts or sports, but rather demonstrates that studying Yoshinkan Aikido in a competitive atmosphere is detrimental to the learning experience. Therefore, Yoshinkan Aikido is focused on self-defence and personal development rather than sport competition.
Yoshinkan Aikido, unlike MMA and most other competitive sports, can be practiced at any age. At most Aikido dojo, regardless of style, you will see that most adult practitioners are in their 30's or older; and there are some still practicing well into their 50's and 60's. In fact, some of the Aikidoka still practicing and teaching today started studying in their 30's and 40's and are still practicing well into their 70's!
Our adult classes offer a traditional martial arts class with a friendly, supportive and non-militaristic atmosphere. Classes are focused and each student is expected to give their best effort. Through the continued practice of basic movements and Aikido techniques, adults can expect to learn strong self defence, falling and tumbling skills while developing a supple body and strong mind.
Children can expect to have fun while they learn the basic principles of Yoshinkan Aikido. They will learn skills in conflict resolution, focus, co-operation, and develop strong movement skills, while learning a foundation of self-defence skills that will serve them well their entire lives.
Our Kids classes are a comprehensive mix of Yoshinkan Aikido skills and games for kids. The games are focused to use the skills of movement and evasion; the kids learn subtley while engaged in these activities.
At Grand River Aikido, we don't teach fighting or aggression as this prevents students from obtaining an understanding of the subtlety of balance taking and of the strength gained from a relaxed body and correct posture. Emphasis is placed on paired or group training, where partners work together to learn the skills of Yoshinkan Aikido.
Our martial art is unique in that it offers the practitioner the ability to control and circumvent aggressive behaviour regardless of the size or strength of the aggressor. Due to this fact, Yoshinkan Aikido is a great martial art for women, children and older adults. As we get older ,we lose our strength, but not our Aikido skill: a skilled Aikido practitioner can control a larger and stronger person, with a minimum of effort.
Due to the efficacy of Yoshinkan Aikido, it is used by police forces all over the globe. It is recognized by the Tokyo Riot Police and is mandatory training. The RCMP incorporate Yoshinkan Aikido into their training program and many correctional facilities have Aikido based training.
Finding the right style of martial art to practice can be a daunting task. Like any product, one must shop around and find the right fit. Some of our students have previous martial arts experience and some have no previous experience whatsoever. You will find Yoshinkan Aikido beneficial, and a viable alternative to your current martial art or as a concurrent practice.
Please browse the site and feel free to call 519 341 6152 or email any questions you might have to Dojocho. We will be happy to answer them.
