Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Ottawa
Orleans Taekwondo has been dedicated to providing high-quality martial arts instruction in Ottawa's east end for over 28 years. Founded on the principles of World Taekwondo (WT) Olympic-style training, we offer a family-focused environment where students of all ages and abilities develop physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-confidence. Our curriculum, led by 4th Dan Black Belt Master Lionel Gibson, emphasizes endurance training, sparring, and Poomsae (patterns) while fostering respect, integrity, and leadership. With a team of certified black belt instructors, we have cultivated a community recognized for its commitment to excellence in both local and international competitions. Our programs cater to preschoolers through adults, ensuring accessible training that builds self-defense skills, coordination, and resilience.As proud members of the Ontario Taekwondo Association, Taekwondo Canada, and the World Taekwondo Federation, we uphold rigorous standards of instruction. Students benefit from structured progression through belt ranks, with personalized attention that prioritizes safety and individual growth. Over decades, our academy has become a cornerstone for martial arts development, empowering students to achieve personal and athletic milestones. We balance discipline with enjoyment, creating a supportive atmosphere where challenges become opportunities for growth. Our legacy of nurturing champions and fostering lifelong confidence continues to shape the Orleans community.
Services
Taekwondo Instruction
Little Ninjas Program
Competitive Teams
Fitness Training
Self-Defense Classes
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 28 years of proven excellence in Ottawa's martial arts community
- Led by 4th Dan Black Belt Master Lionel Gibson, former provincial champion
- Holistic curriculum balancing physical training and character development
- Recognized competitive success at provincial, national, and international levels
- Family-friendly environment with age-specific programs for all skill levels
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Taekwondo Association
- Taekwondo Canada
- World Taekwondo Federation
What people say
Great place
Highly recommend
Caring commitment
Inner confidence
Excellent for all ages
Services
Taekwondo Instruction
Our Olympic-style Taekwondo program develops physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline through structured belt progression. Students learn sparring techniques, Poomsae (patterns), and endurance training under certified black belt instructors. The curriculum balances rigorous physical activity with character development, fostering confidence and respect in a safe, family-oriented environment.
Little Ninjas Program
Designed for 3-4 year olds, this pre-Taekwondo program builds motor skills through fun drills and games. Children develop coordination, balance, and self-control while learning basic martial arts principles in a safe, engaging environment that prepares them for formal Taekwondo training.
Competitive Teams
Our invitational competitive program prepares students for provincial, national, and international Taekwondo competitions. Specializing in Poomsae (forms) and Olympic-style sparring, athletes receive advanced training in technique, strategy, and mental focus under championship-level instructors.
Fitness Training
Taekwondo-based fitness classes improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength through dynamic movements like kicking, punching, and endurance drills. This full-body workout accommodates all fitness levels while teaching practical self-defense techniques in a motivating group environment.
Self-Defense Classes
Students learn practical self-defense techniques emphasizing situational awareness, de-escalation, and physical defense strategies. Classes build confidence through realistic scenarios while maintaining Taekwondo's philosophical focus on restraint and conflict avoidance.
People
Master Lionel Gibson
Head Instructor & Founder
4th Dan Black Belt and former provincial champion with 28 years of experience. Specializes in Olympic-style sparring and Poomsae, emphasizing accessible training for all ages and body types.
Mrs. Lisa Gibson
Co-Founder
3rd Degree Black Belt and 2019 European Masters Games Silver Medalist. Focuses on community building and student engagement, with extensive competitive experience in Poomsae at national and international levels.
Master Son Nguyen
Instructor
Certified black belt instructor with expertise in foundational Taekwondo techniques. Contributes to youth development programs and belt progression training.
Mr. Todd Nalepa
Instructor
Experienced martial arts instructor specializing in student motivation and technical precision. Supports both recreational and competitive training programs.
Mr. Julian Gibson
Instructor
Black belt instructor with focus on youth engagement and family-oriented training. Assists in developing coordination and discipline through structured martial arts instruction.
Questions
What age groups do your programs accommodate?
We offer programs for children aged 3+, teens, and adults, including specialized Little Ninjas classes for preschoolers and competitive teams for advanced students.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners, with personalized progression through belt rankings.
What are the benefits of Taekwondo training?
Students develop physical fitness, self-defense skills, discipline, confidence, and stress management. Training also improves coordination, flexibility, and mental focus through structured martial arts instruction.
Are competitive opportunities available?
Yes, our invitational competitive program trains students for Poomsae and sparring competitions at local, provincial, national, and international levels under championship-level instructors.
What should I wear for my first class?
New students can wear comfortable athletic clothing. Official uniforms are required after initial trial periods, available through the academy for proper training adherence.
How often should I attend classes?
We recommend twice-weekly attendance for optimal progress. Class schedules accommodate different age groups and skill levels with flexible weekly options.
