Our children’s classes are for ages 6 and up. Kids 13 and older may start aikido in the adult class, depending on their maturity level. Emphasis is on good discipline and healthy attitude while enjoying a fun and rigorous practice. Drop by any of our children’s classes to watch or participate. Find out more
Aikido for adults
Our adult classes focus on proper technique and mental focus as well as overall fitness and flexibility. Calgary Aikikai welcomes persons of any age, gender or ability. New students may come and watch any class, and may also participate in up to four classes free of charge to see how they like it.
Calgary Aikikai
Since 1980, Calgary Aikikai has trained hundreds of students in this martial art that is both a practical self-defence and form of creative movement. We believe that the best way to learn is through enjoyable and spirited practice, with an emphasis on traditional techniques.
Calgary Aikikai’s 40th Anniversary came and went in 2020 and so we’re happy to announce that we’ll be celebrating the legacy of Inaba Sensei’s vision with our 45th Anniversary instead! We are beyond excited to welcome the three sensei who have nurtured us since our founder’s passing, for the first and likely only time. This is an aikido event not to be missed.
SAVE THE DATE
CALGARY AIKIKAI’S 45th ANNIVERSARY SEMINAR
Labour Day Weekend: Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, 2025
with
Kazuo Igarashi Shihan, 8 Dan
Tokyo, Japan
Michael Friedl Shihan, 7 Dan
Ashland, OR, USA
Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan, 6 Dan
Sendai, Japan
Kazuo Igarashi Shihan
Michael Friedl Shihan
Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan
Location in stunning Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park
Photo: Bruno Karklis Diniz
Photo: Samuel Bütikofer
Full details and registration to come. We’re planning a 15-hour seminar over the full three days, with a celebration banquet on the Saturday evening and all are invited to participate in the embukai following the seminar. Preferential pricing for full seminar registrations. Participants aged 13 and up.
Please email us now to receive more information:
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Please join us for a special one day intensive on Sunday, February 23rd. Taught by the humble instructors at Calgary Aikikai and finishing up with a small social event following the intensive. Open to all we hope to see you on the mat.
Chris Hayward Sensei has decided to step aside as Dojo-cho for Calgary Aikikai after nearly 20 years in the role. We’d like to wish him all the best and express our gratitude as he continues his Aikido training with all of us on the mat. We look forward to the classes he will teach, as always. once he returns from his upcoming knee surgery.
Chris with Inaba Shihan, c. 2007
Chris started Aikido with Inaba Sensei in 1996, receiving his Shodan in 2002 and Go Dan in 2020. For many years, he was in charge of our Children’s Programme, while his own kids were students.
He was assigned the role of Dojo-cho by Inaba Sensei before we moved the dojo to its present location in 2008. In this role, he oversaw many significant changes, from the relocation of the dojo, to the passing of our Shihan, the formation of the Calgary Aikikai society and Organisation, the COVID pandemic, and many smaller bumps along the road.He has been a steadfast leader as the main coordinator with the church location, our Technical Coordinator, and as the first point of contact for any personal issues on the mat.His calm nature and level-headedness have always been significant in keeping the dojo running smoothly and weathering the occasional challenges that are inevitable in this type of organisation.Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!!
Huge congratulations to Shane Fielder for his promotion to 5 Dan at the Kagami Biraki ceremony at Hombu! Shane’s journey along Aikido has taken him on a multi-faceted adventure and we’re so fortunate that he landed at Calgary Aikikai more than 15 years ago. Here’s to many more years of Shane’s contributions to the dojo and his continuation along the path.
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