Business Details
37 Years
experience
Aikido and Iaido Training in Montreal
Aikido de la Montagne, founded in 1989, is a non-profit martial arts dojo dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional Aikido and Iaido. Under the leadership of 8th Dan Shihan Claude Berthiaume, a respected figure in the United States Aikido Federation, we provide structured programs for adults, youth, and advanced practitioners. Our curriculum emphasizes technical mastery, mental discipline, and adherence to the philosophical principles of harmony and respect central to Japanese martial arts. With a team of senior instructors, including 7th Dan Shihan Robert Saad, we offer classes in Aikido, Iaido, and weapons training, alongside international seminars led by renowned masters.Our community-driven approach ensures accessibility through volunteer-led operations and member-driven maintenance, fostering a supportive environment for all skill levels. Recognized for our affiliation with global organizations like the USAF and Kiyoikaze Iaido Federation, we uphold rigorous standards in instruction and rank certification. Over three decades, we have cultivated a reputation for excellence, welcoming practitioners from 20+ countries and hosting seminars with luminaries such as Doshu Ueshiba. Our commitment to tradition, combined with modern accessibility, ensures a transformative experience for students seeking physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Services
Aikido Classes
Iaido Training
Youth Programs
Weapons Curriculum
Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Led by 8th Dan Shihan Claude Berthiaume, a USAF Technical Committee member with 50+ years of experience.
- Offers structured youth programs fostering discipline and focus in children aged 4+.
- Hosts international seminars with globally recognized instructors annually.
- Maintains rigorous USAF-certified ranking standards for technical excellence.
- Community-driven model with volunteer instructors and member-led maintenance ensures affordability.
Associations and certifications
- United States Aikido Federation
- Kiyoikaze Iaido Federation
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly
Structured programs
Cultural authenticity
Transformative growth
Services
Aikido Classes
Structured Aikido training for adults and children aged 4+, focusing on defensive techniques, throws, and joint locks. Classes emphasize physical conditioning, mental discipline, and adherence to traditional Japanese martial arts principles. Beginners receive foundational instruction in safe falling techniques and basic movements before advancing to complex forms.
Iaido Training
Traditional Iaido instruction in Muso Shinden Ryu style, teaching sword drawing, cutting, and sheathing techniques. Curriculum includes 12 Shoden forms and advanced katas, with mandatory hakama attire and iaito swords. Students develop mental focus and precision through repetitive kata practice under expert supervision.
Youth Programs
Age-specific Aikido classes for children 4-12 years old, divided into beginner (4-6 years) and advanced (7-12 years) levels. Sessions incorporate playful demonstrations and weapon-based exercises to teach discipline, respect, and coordination while maintaining safety and engagement.
Weapons Curriculum
Five-level program teaching Jo (staff) and Bokken (wooden sword) techniques, preserving Kanai Sensei's legacy. Students progress through 150-hour levels, mastering suburis, katas, and partner drills to enhance understanding of Aikido's weapon-based origins and improve technical precision.
Seminars
Annual international seminars led by 7th-8th Dan Shihans from Japan and global locations. Events include technique demonstrations, rank examinations, and collaborative training sessions, providing students direct access to advanced instruction and cultural exchange opportunities.
People
Claude Berthiaume
Chief Instructor
8th Dan Shihan with 50+ years of Aikido experience, founder of Aikido de la Montagne in 1989. Technical Director of Kiyoikaze Iaido Federation and USAF Board Member. Teaches six days weekly and mentors international practitioners.
Robert Saad
Senior Instructor
7th Dan Shihan with 40+ years of teaching experience. Former student of Yamada and Kanai Senseis, promoted to Shihan in 2013. Specializes in transmitting traditional Aikido principles through practical demonstrations and personalized guidance.
Mohamed Mounji
Youth Program Director
6th Dan with 30+ years at the dojo. Created the youth Aikido curriculum in 1995, focusing on child-friendly instruction that balances discipline with engagement. Mentors future youth instructors.
Liliane Bourgouin
Instructor
4th Dan in both Aikido and Iaido with 20+ years of teaching experience. Certified Ikebana instructor who integrates floral art principles into martial arts instruction for holistic development.
Galina Stancheva
Instructor
4th Dan with 32 years of global Aikido experience. Trained under masters in Bulgaria, Austria, and Japan. Promoted by USAF in 2022 for technical excellence and cross-cultural teaching expertise.
Questions
What age can children start Aikido classes?
Children aged 4-6 begin with 6-week introductory sessions, while ages 7-12 join term-based classes aligned with school calendars.
Are trial classes available?
Yes, one free trial class is offered for both Aikido and Iaido, requiring prior email registration and appropriate attire.
What equipment is needed?
Beginners need a judo/karate gi; hakama and iaito swords become required after initial trial periods. Equipment can be purchased through the dojo.
Are there competitive tournaments?
No, Aikido focuses on cooperative practice and technical mastery rather than competition, aligning with its philosophical principles.
How are instructors qualified?
Instructors hold 4th-8th Dan ranks from recognized federations, with decades of experience and ongoing participation in international seminars.
Can adults join without prior experience?
Yes, beginner classes accommodate adults with no prior martial arts experience, providing foundational training in safe techniques.
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