Arashi-Do Edmonton East

I first started at Arashi-Do East doing their stand up women's intro to self defense class, run by great instructors. This class was an incredible experience, a safe learning space where you can learn to defend yourself, with a great group of strong, funny women. This class led me to find my love of learning self defense and Brazilian jiu jitsu. I joined the women's only BJJ class here run by 2 coaches, two women black belts, and it was a blast to be in their class. To have not one, but two women black belts teach you is a privilege, the class was always a great time, the content fun, and the company even better. Having two strong women role models is really special, for both the little girls and the women who want to try jiu jitsu. One stripe later I also joined the adult fundamentals BJJ class, ran by one coach. This class helped me expand my comfort zone, working with both men and women on the mats. Between the awesome instruction and the great people, this class was always terrific. Second stripe on my belt and I was welcomed to join the advanced BJJ class run by the owner/professor. His instruction was always outstanding and the content always illuminating. This class was such a privilege to be in, his knowledge of martial arts is substantial, his teaching outstanding and his heart huge. Working with yet another black belt was always a great experience. Whether it was a class or open mat, he will always teach you something new and interesting. Training with all level belts was a great experience, never a boring class at this dojo. Through all three of these classes, I laughed, cried, and sweat alot. I competed in competitions and always had atleast one of the four black belts of the Eastside on the sideline, the love and support was remarkable. I made such good friends in these classes and always looked forward to go to the Eastside, eventhough I was always in for a good workout lol. More stripes and I began helping as a monitor in the kids BJJ classes. I loved having this special opportunity. Though the kids could be crazy sometimes lol, I never took a day for granted. I then achieved my blue belt here, not easily, but I did. I couldn't have done it without these incredible teachers, and all the beastside family. I will always be thankful to the Eastside.

I’ve known Professor Neil for over 10 years, and his depth of knowledge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exceptional. He has a complete command of the fundamentals while also staying current with the latest techniques as the art continues to evolve. Beyond his technical expertise, what truly sets Professor Neil apart is who he is as a person. He’s welcoming, attentive, and genuinely cares about his students. I recently watched him immediately step in when a student cramped up — grabbing a roller, calming them down, and reassuring them with, “I’ve got you.” That kind of leadership and care speaks volumes. If you’re looking for a BJJ or Muay Thai gym with high-level instruction from an incredible team of coaches and a supportive, community-first environment, this is the place to be.

The women’s classes are so fun. If you haven’t tried it yet and you want it for self defence, a fun workout and an inclusive environment this is the place to go! Shan and Tina are fantastic.

This dojo is so incredible,it taught me how to defend myself to my bullies and get more motivation,they make kids so althetic and fit like professor Neil’s son.

I’ll start this review with the caveat that I don’t actually train at Arashi-Do East. I have however trained under Professor Neil at a different location for quite awhile. He is a very detailed and technical instructor who always took extra time outside of class to help with any questions or concerns I had, or even just to grab a beer with some of the students. He has also welcomed me into this brand new location for open mat several times even though I don’t train there. It’s a beautiful facility with high quality instruction, as well as a great community atmosphere for anyone who is looking for a place to train.