Business Details
Your Trusted Taekwondo Academy in Ottawa
Orleans Taekwondo has dedicated over 28 years to delivering high-quality, family-focused Taekwondo instruction in Ottawa's east end. Founded as a City of Ottawa recreational program in the late 1990s, our academy emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth through the Olympic-style WT Taekwondo curriculum. Led by 4th Dan Black Belt Master Lionel Gibson, our team of certified instructors provides a challenging yet fun environment for students of all ages and abilities. We specialize in fostering self-esteem, physical fitness, and mental focus through structured programs including Little Ninjas for young children, Juniors, Teens & Adults, and Competitive Teams. Our instructors, including Master Gibson and his family, bring decades of competitive experience from provincial to international levels. We prioritize holistic development, teaching not just martial arts techniques but also life skills such as leadership, integrity, and self-confidence.As members of the Ontario Taekwondo Association, Taekwondo Canada, and the World Taekwondo Federation, we maintain the highest standards in our training. Our 45-minute classes balance warm-up, drills, and individualized instruction, preparing students for belt promotions up to black belt and beyond. With a proven track record of producing award-winning competitors in both Poomsae and sparring, we offer a comprehensive martial arts experience. Our facility welcomes families, emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and community. We provide free trial classes to introduce newcomers to the benefits of Taekwondo, including improved physical health, stress reduction, and enhanced focus. Our commitment to excellence has made us one of the most appreciated martial arts clubs in Orleans.
Services
Little Ninjas
Juniors Program
Competitive Teams
Fitness Classes
Private Lessons
Highlights and features
- 28 years of family-focused Taekwondo instruction in Ottawa
- Certified instructors with competitive national/international experience
- Proven curriculum for all ages and skill levels
- Award-winning competitive team success
- Holistic approach combining physical and mental development
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Taekwondo Association
- Taekwondo Canada
- World Taekwondo Federation
What people say
Great place
Highly recommend
Caring commitment
Inner confidence
Engaged students
Services
Little Ninjas
Our Little Ninjas program introduces children aged 3-4 to Taekwondo fundamentals through fun, structured activities. This pre-Taekwondo curriculum develops coordination, balance, concentration, and teamwork while teaching basic life skills. Classes focus on building foundational movements and social interaction in a safe, engaging environment.
Juniors Program
The Juniors Program (ages 5-12) combines physical training with character development. Students learn self-defense techniques, improve fitness, and build confidence through age-appropriate drills. Our instructors emphasize discipline, respect, and perseverance while preparing students for belt promotions up to red belt status.
Competitive Teams
Our Competitive Teams train in both Poomsae (patterns) and sparring disciplines. Athletes receive specialized instruction to excel at competitions ranging from local to international levels. The program develops strategic thinking, advanced techniques, and mental resilience under the guidance of championship-level instructors.
Fitness Classes
Adult fitness classes focus on practical self-defense applications, cardiovascular conditioning, and strength training. Participants improve flexibility, coordination, and stress management while learning effective martial arts techniques. Classes accommodate all experience levels in a supportive group environment.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to individual goals. Whether preparing for competitions, focusing on specific techniques, or accelerating belt progression, students receive one-on-one attention from senior instructors to maximize their development and skill mastery.
People
Master Lionel Gibson
Founder
4th Dan Black Belt with competitive experience at provincial, national, and international levels. Specializes in Olympic-style WT Taekwondo curriculum development and instructor training.
Mrs. Lisa Gibson
Founder
Co-founder with extensive experience in martial arts education and program administration. Focuses on creating inclusive, family-friendly training environments for students of all ages.
Master Son Nguyen
Instructor
Certified instructor with expertise in sparring techniques and competition preparation. Brings 15+ years of teaching experience and tournament judging credentials to student training programs.
Mr. Todd Nalepa
Instructor
Experienced martial arts educator specializing in youth development programs. Focuses on building foundational skills and character traits through structured, age-appropriate instruction methods.
Mr. Julian Gibson
Instructor
Black Belt instructor with competitive achievements in Poomsae events. Specializes in technical precision training and belt progression preparation for students at all levels.
Questions
What age groups do your Taekwondo programs accommodate?
We offer programs for children aged 3-4 (Little Ninjas), Juniors (ages 5-12), Teens & Adults, and Competitive Teams.
Are there competitive opportunities for advanced students?
Yes, our Competitive Teams regularly place at local, provincial, national, and international levels in both Poomsae and sparring events.
What are the benefits of Taekwondo training at your academy?
Students develop self-defense skills, physical fitness, mental focus, discipline, and confidence through our structured Olympic-style curriculum.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide free trial classes to help newcomers experience our family-friendly environment and teaching approach.
What qualifications do your instructors hold?
Our instructors include 4th Dan Black Belt Master Lionel Gibson and other certified professionals with competitive experience at national and international levels.
Reviews (5)
Dania Versailles
Jun 23, 2020
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Thank you to you both Mr and Mrs Gibson for your leadership always, AND especially since COVID arrived!! Your caring and commitment to us students are what kept my son and I engaged into the Taekwondo lifestyle and closer to our Black belts. Honestly, it kept both Jayson and I grounded, physically and mentally, and focused away from the pandemic distractions while respecting your strict guidelines. I recommend any one of any age to join this family-friendly martial art school any day!!
Mathew Pulickal
Sep 05, 2019
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This is a great place. Master Gibson takes the time to make sure his students get the time they need to practice and more importantly get their own inner confidence and excel beyond the gym. They have been great for both of my kids and when my others are old enough they will be here as well. I recommend this place to anyone.
Joel Potvin
Dec 09, 2018
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We registered my hyperactive son in Taekwondo for his development, discipline, respect and self-confidence. Masters Lionel Gibson and Lisa Gibson have been excellent teachers and demand the most out of their students. Our son loves it! We are very pleased and highly recommend Orleans Taekwondo!
Malcolm Bedard
Jun 23, 2018
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I have been a student at Orleans Taekwondo for 16 years. The Owners, Master Lionel Gibson and Lisa Gibson, along with the rest of the instructional team do a great job of instilling confidance, a positive attitude, self discipline, and many other qualities that will serve you well everywhere. They do all this while still providing a fun-filled and memorable expirence that will leave you wanting to come back and learn some more. 5 stars does not even begin to summerize my 16 years at Orleans Taekwondo. It is truely one of a kind and a place from which I hope many will benefit for years to come.
Katarzyna Wyroslak
Nov 09, 2017
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Orleans Taekwondo is a wonderful school. My daughter has been participating in classes since February and it still amazes me how much progress she has made since. Apart from her technical skills, she gained strenght, flexibility and Moo Kwang Philosophy became an important part of her everyday life. Olympic style sparring has helped to build her cofidence and the same time - respect for opponents.
Great instructors and owners Mr and Mrs Gibson, make this place feel like home, not only for students but also for their families and friends. They're patient but firm. They support, encourage, reinforce
Great instructors and owners Mr and Mrs Gibson, make this place feel like home, not only for students but also for their families and friends. They're patient but firm. They support, encourage, reinforce
