Aikido Classes in Montreal, Open to All!
Discover the art of aikido and join a welcoming community dedicated to learning and improving
Why Aikido ?
Aikido brings the discipline and depth of traditional martial arts while remaining accessible to everyone. Beyond the techniques practiced on the tatami, it offers principles that are profoundly relevant in daily life, fostering balance, adaptability, and resilience.
Exploring Beyond Reflexes
Aikido teaches us to go beyond our instinctive ‘fight or flight’ reactions. Through practice, we cultivate calm, control, and creativity—both on the mat and in life’s unpredictable moments..
Growth Through Collaboration
Aikido fosters growth, not competition. By training with partners to refine techniques, we develop mutual respect, patience, and a mindset that prioritizes safety and learning for everyone
Accessible to All
Aikido doesn’t require exceptional physical fitness to get started. It’s designed to develop a broad range of skills—balance, coordination, and flexibility—while being accessible to people of all fitness levels.
While many martial arts view the world as a place of conflict—defined by dominance and competition—Aikido offers a different perspective. It teaches us to see the world as a space for connection and harmony, where conflicts can be resolved peacefully. And when resolution isn’t possible, it gives us the confidence and tools to face challenges with clarity and strength.
About Us
Aikido Club @ McGill Sports Complex
For over 40 years, our aikido club has been a vital part of the Canadian Aikido community, guided by the dedicated leadership of Daniel Laurendeau. Over the decades, it has evolved into a welcoming space to explore and embody the values of this unique martial art, emphasizing collaboration and self-improvement.
Our spacious dojo, located in the McGill Sports Complex, offers an ideal environment to practice Aikido’s flowing techniques and guiding principles. While hosted at McGill, the club welcomes everyone, regardless of background or experience.
At the heart of our aikido community is a strong and diverse group that supports its members both on and off the mat. Here, members develop not only technical skills but also a life philosophy centered on balance, connection, and resilience. For many, Aikido becomes more than a martial art—it evolves into a way of life.
Seminars and News
Seminar: Léo Tamaki – Dec. 8-9, 2024
Meet the founder of Kishinkai Aikido and his learnings
40th Anniversary Seminar! – Nov. 16, 2024.
Celebrating an extraordinary milestone: Daniel Laurendeau Shihan’s 40th year of teaching excellence at McGill Aikido
Resources
Vocabulary and Rules
Want to understand how things work on the mat? We provide you with various explanations and simple documents to help you.
Videos
Although aikido can only be learned in action, we are recording some technics for us to remember and to share with the larger community!
One System – Infinite Possibilities
Aikido offers a comprehensive and unified system of techniques, encompassing:
Taijutsu: Unarmed techniques that develop balance, precision, and adaptability.
Tachidori: Techniques for disarming an opponent armed with a knife (tanto), a sword (ken), or a staff (jo).
Aikijo & Aikiken: The art of using weapons like the staff (jo) and the sword (ken). The fundamentals of aikido are deeply rooted in the principles of swordsmanship, with the ken serving as a foundation for many movements and techniques.
Aikido prepares practitioners to face challenges, whether they are against a single opponent or multiple attackers, focusing on blending, control, and the resolution of conflict.
Testimonial
Louise, Practicing since 2007
Why did you start?
« To manage stress and improve my mental state. »
Why do you continue?
« For personal growth and physical fitness improvement. »
What is the key value of Aikido that resonates the most with you?
« Mental discipline. »
What does the club mean to you?
« Great instruction and a wonderful group spirit. »
