Grand River Aikido
Grand River Aikido was established in June 2007 when Lee Darke, a student of Yoshinkan Aikido since 2001, joined forces with Sensei John Reel to bring the martial art to Fergus and surrounding area.
With the encouragement and assistance of the Seidokan dojo in Georgetown, Ont., Sensei Reel and Darke started Wednesday night classes at the Fergus Sportsplex, offered to persons aged 15 or older. Many thanks to Sensei Sharon Champagne of Bonsai Martial Arts for her support and encouragement.
Shortly thereafter, Darke tripled the training area, offering 1,160 square feet of Japanese training mats. In August 2007, Grand River Aikido added Monday night classes.
In September 2007, Grand River Aikido moved to the Elora Community Centre, and the Aikido for Kids program began, offered to youth aged about 6–12 years.
In January 2008, Grand River Aikido moved to Inside the Ropes in Guelph. Many thanks to Dave "the Storm" Nash for providing a new home for the dojo.
In February 2008 Grand River Aikido Moved to School of Martial Arts in Guelph. Inside the Ropes moved to a new location and we could not move with them. Many thanks to Sensei Errol Sue for providing a new location for us. Best wishes to Dave Nash and Inside the Ropes.