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 martial arts organizations, dojos, and related resources connected to martial arts in Calgary, along with schools and groups in other regions with whom we maintain personal relationships 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 Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu and Japanese Sword Arts

Calgary Rakushinkan Aikido

Calgary Rakushinkan is a traditional aikido and Japanese martial arts dojo in North Calgary. We practice “Ki to Tanden no Aikido” as taught within the Rakushinkan in Japan, an independent organization of aikido and budō founded by Tomohiro Ishikawa Sensei.

This approach to aikido is informed by Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, older forms of koryū jūjutsu, and Japanese swordsmanship. In this method, “ki” refers to awareness and connection along the centerline, while the tanden functions as the organizing axis of the body. Training emphasizes posture, structure, coordinated movement, timing, and connection rather than strength or memorized techniques.

Practice is approached as a unified system together with classical disciplines such as kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and related forms of traditional Japanese budō. Principles of sword movement are applied directly to empty-hand technique, with technique understood as the result of correct body organization and movement rather than isolated mechanical forms.

Students interested in traditional aikido in Calgary, Japanese martial arts, aiki, and classical weapon traditions can also explore our:

• Class Schedule

• Instructors

• Articles on Aikido and Budō

Calgary Rakushinkan also offers structured youth training through our kids martial arts classes in Calgary, introducing children to traditional Japanese martial arts through disciplined, non-competitive practice.

Aikido Dai Etsu Dojo

Another Aikikai dojo which practices through structured partner training, technical study, and regular classes for students of varying experience levels.

Fudoushin Aikido

An Aikikai-affiliated dojo offering consistent training and foundational practice for students of varying experience levels.

BigRock Aikikai

Aikido dojo affiliated with the Aikikai tradition of aikido. Training includes regular aikido practice, ukemi, partner exercises, and seminar participation connected to the broader Aikikai network. They follow the methods of Hayato Osawa Sensei.

Calgary Aikikai

Aikikai-affiliated dojo practicing aikido within the lineage of the Aikikai Foundation as transmitted by Kazuo Igarashi Sensei . The dojo conducts regular training, seminars, and youth programs, and has been active within the Canadian aikido community for many years.

Calgary Aikido for Daily Life

Under review... It is unclear if this dojo is still in practice...

Calgary Rakushinkan

Us again! Calgary Rakushinkan offers training in traditional Japanese sword arts in Calgary, including kenjutsu and iaijutsu practiced within an integrated system of budō training. Rather than treating swordsmanship as a separate activity, training develops posture, structure, timing, distance, and coordinated movement through classical Japanese methods.

Central to this approach is the principle of the unity of sword and body (剣体一致 / 剣柔一体), in which movement with the sword directly informs empty-hand technique. Principles found in kenjutsu and iaijutsu are applied throughout aikido and related arts practiced within the Rakushinkan tradition.

Training is informed by older Japanese martial traditions including koryū jūjutsu, Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, and classical sword methods connected to the Rakushinkan in Japan and related instructors. Practice emphasizes paired training, body organization, timing, distancing, and awareness rather than performance-oriented choreography or sport competition.

Opportunities to study traditional Japanese swordsmanship in Calgary within an ongoing and integrated training environment are uncommon. Students interested in Japanese sword arts, kenjutsu, iaijutsu, aiki, and classical martial arts can also explore our:

• Aikido Program

• Auxiliary Arts

• Class Schedule

• Articles on Budō and Sword Training

Ka Muso Kai

Group practicing iaidō, jōdō, Niten Ichi Ryū kenjutsu, and Kage Ryū battōjutsu. The group regularly hosts seminars and maintains connections with practitioners of traditional Japanese sword arts and classical martial traditions. The hold seminar once a year (or more).
Calgary Rakushinkan also practices the Kage Ryu under the same instructor Colin Hyakutake-Watkin sensei.

More Friends

Watkin Sensei's Hyoho.com

Colin Watkin Sensei's informative site on Niten Ichi Ryu kenjutsu, Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu and Kage Ryu Batto Jutsu. He is the sole inheritor of the Kage Ryu, studied iai Iwata Norikazu, received Menkyo Kainden in Niten Ichi Ryu from Imai Soke.

Edmonton Fencing Guild / HEMA Edmonton

A HEMA group in NW Edmonton practicing German longsword an numerous other weapons - messer, sabre, dussack, polearms, etc. A dedicated and eclectic membership. Quality instruction, with innovative methods or trainings and conditioning.

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

A very important and influential club in the world of Jodo and Iaidō. This Guelph, Ontario based club was previously led by Kim Taylor Sensei - 7th dan Iaidō, 6th dan Jodo - until his passing in 2026. Denis Nikitenko now leads the club.
Taylor's top student Pam Morgan (Pamurai) now leads the a Seidokai branch in Ottawa.

SDK Supplies

A supplier of Japanese martial arts equipment - bokken, iaito, uniforms etc. Also a maker/supplier of hickory bokuto, jo and other wooden weapons.

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.

Calgary Rakushinkan is proud to be part of the broader martial arts community in Calgary and to maintain direct ties with instructors and organizations in Japan. Through ongoing study of aikido, aiki-jūjutsu, kenjutsu, and classical Japanese martial traditions, we aim to preserve and share authentic budō training in Calgary.