Martial Arts in Calgary and Related Dojos & Schools

Calgary has a diverse martial arts community, with schools representing both modern systems and traditional disciplines. This page highlights dojos, organizations, and related martial arts resources in Calgary, along with schools and groups in other regions with whom we have a personal relationship and hold in high regard and respect. Together, these connections reflect the broader network of practitioners and traditions that support the continued development of martial arts in Calgary and beyond.

Calgary Aikido Dojos

Aikido is well represented in Calgary, with several dojos offering training across different lineages and teaching approaches. While methods and emphasis may vary, all share a foundation in timing, movement, and control. These schools provide opportunities for beginners and experienced practitioners to train in aikido across the city.

Calgary Aikikai

Calgary’s original aikido school, located in the Altadore community. They practice the Aikikai style as transmitted by Kazuo Igarashi Sensei and offer classes for both adults and children. The dojo regularly hosts seminars with visiting instructors from Japan and abroad.

BigRock Aikikai

Perhaps the largest Aikido dojo by membership in Canada. This full time dedicated dojo in south Calgary is fully equipped with tatami mats and accoutrements. BigRock offers a well structured program for adults and for kids including - "Youth Character Development Program" and a "Youth Instructor Training Program." They follow the methods of Hayato Osawa Sensei - a senior instructor at Aikikai's Hombu dojo and Technical director of the Canadian Aikido Federation.

Fudoushin Aikido

An Aikikai-affiliated dojo operating out of the Southland Leisure Centre. Classes are offered for children, youth, and adults, with a focus on consistent training and foundational aikido practice.

Aikido Dai Etsu Dojo

Another Aikikai dojo. Operating out of Huntington Hills Community Association in NW Calgary, this clubs has a large kids, youth and teen membership.

Calgary Aikido for Daily Life

Calgary Rakushinkan Aikido

Calgary Rakushinkan Aikido offers training rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts in North Calgary. We practice "Ki to Tanden no Aikido" of the Rakushinkan in Japan - an independent organization of Aikido and Budo founded by Tomohiro Ishikawa. In this aikido - which is informed by Daito Ryu and older koryu jujutsu as well as Japanese swordmanship - “ki” refers to the awareness and connection along the centerline, while the tanden functions as the organizing axis of the body. Training focuses on developing posture, structure, and coordinated movement rather than relying on strength or memorized techniques.
Our practice is practiced as a unified system with classical disciplines such as kenjutsu and iaijutsu, where the principles of sword movement are applied directly to body techniques. In this way, technique is not treated as a collection of forms, but as the result of correct body organization, timing, and connection.

Calgary Kenjutsu and Iaido

Ka Muso Kai

A welcoming group of that practices Iaido, Jodo, Niten Icchi Ryu Kenjutsu and Kage Ryu Battojutsu which operates out of the Woodcliff united Church in SW Calgary. The hold seminar once a year (or more).
Calgary Rakushinkan also practices the Kage Ryu under the same instructor Colin Hyakutake-Watkin sensei.

Calgary Rakushinkan

Us again! Calgary Rakushinkan offers training in traditional Japanese sword arts, including kenjutsu and iaijutsu. Practice is based on classical methods in which the sword is not treated as a separate discipline, but as a means of developing posture, structure, timing, and distance.
Central to this training is the principle of the unity of sword and body (剣体一致 / 剣柔一体), where movement with the sword directly informs and shapes empty-hand technique. Rather than learning isolated forms, students develop coordinated movement through the relationship between weapon, body, and opponent.
Opportunities to study these arts in an integrated and traditional format are rare, particularly within a regular training environment. This approach preserves methods that are not commonly found in modern martial arts instruction.

More Friends

Edmonton Fencing Guild / HEMA Edmonton

Sanroku Dojo

A dojo in South Calgary that practices a school of Aiki-jujutsu which descends from Daito Ryu (via Hakko Ryu). It is a small dedicated group of practitioners. Some members have attended our functions and they have invited us to theirs.

The Forge WMA

Primarily a HEMA group specializing in German Longsword and Messer. They practice kata from Liechtenauer and other direct sources, and then they fight! The forge holds two tournaments each year - "Anvil" and "Blizzard Brawl"
They also practice some modern combatives/self-defense.

Sei Shin Bu Kan (Edmonton Kenjutsu)

A small dedicated group of budoka who practice kenjutsu and iaijutsu in NW Edmonton.

Seidokai / The Pamurai

SDK Supplies

Watkin Sensei's Hyoho.com

Sport Calgary

Calgary Rakushinkan regularly participates in Sport Calgary's "All Sport One Day" and "All Sport One City" events, offering free introductory lessons ins martial arts for kids, youth and adults.