about us
Have you been considering Martial Arts Classes classes? Do your kids have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off? Are you a beginner or pro? No matter what your goals are or what you’re looking to accomplish, you can do anything at our Guelph Family Martial Arts facility.
about us
Come and train under the expert guidance of World Champion Nathan Skoufis and become part of the family!
Martial Arts training at GFMA increases self-esteem, fitness and flexibility and teaches students respect for themselves and for others. We have Karate programs suitable for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Children learn Karate in a safe, supervised environment and our trained instructors are specialists in keeping kids motivated and interested while they are learning self-defense techniques that can last a lifetime. In addition, classes are full of fun, exciting activities and character development lessons.
It is an honour for us to be a part of each and every student's learning experience and we thank you in advance for taking the first step towards making Guelph Family Martial Arts part of your Family.
Why Choose Us
Guelph Family Martial Arts (GFMA) is a family-friendly fitness facility that offers karate and fitness (cardio kickboxing) training by World Champion Instructors. Our classes are for everyone and every level of physical fitness, so you and your family can feel comfortable in our program. Kids programs start as young as age 3 and provide a fantastic base for your child's overall development.
Trained Professionals
Our mentors have undergone years of vigorous training and are true masters of martial arts. In fact, Nathan Skoufis is a 23-time world champion and knows what it takes to train students of all ages.
Convenient Schedules
We know our students are busy with work and school which is why we offer convenient schedules for a wide range of classes. Simply give us a call or email us to book a spot that works best for you.
Classes For All Ages
Who ever said that martial arts is just for kids? We have various classes for teens and adults alike so they can continue to improve their physical and mental strength, and overall, just have fun.
Highly-Rated
We’ve been voted the #1 martial arts leaders in Guelph since 2016 and couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments and our students who have made this possible. You can rest assured knowing that you’re being trained by the best instructors around.
Facility & Philosophy
OUR FACILITY IT FULLY EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT SO YOU CAN REACH YOUR GOALS
Our facility is 3,000 square feet; our large training floor is equipped with padded mats to ensure a low impact workout. Our facility is carefully sanitized daily to ensure the safety of our clients. At GFMA we are always adding new equipment to our collection, including a large selection of free weights, agility ladders, medicine balls, bosu balls, battle ropes, skipping ropes, kick shields, hand targets and free standing striking bags to name a few. Due to the large number of equipment we have on site ensures each student will not need to compromise their workout because of equipment shortages. We believe the incorporation of these training aids, along with our instructor's vast knowledge of fitness results in a fantastic, safe workout.
Martial arts training at our studio focuses on personal growth and development. The program develops life skills including focus, fitness, confidence, discipline, stress coping strategies, perseverance, bullying prevention and many more. The benefits of the program extend far beyond only physical and making a well rounded student. Our program helps focus on how to properly deal with emotions and to channel them into a positive avenue and outlet. Our program translates to better grades in school with the newly developed skills. We also develop self regulation which is useful in all areas of life. We utilize martial arts as a vehicle to develop human potential. Our program has been voted #1 in the area for the benefits it provides by Three Best Rated, Top Choice Awards, Readers Choice Awards, Canadian Kids Guide and Star of Service. The program has been featured on CTV, CBC and Global News for the benefits it provides to students of all ages. The studio has also been featured on national T.V. and radio.
We were Voted #1 in these Categories
- Adult Activity Program - Diamond
- Children’s Entertainment - Diamond
- Family Activities - Diamond
- Kids Activities - Diamond
- Summer Camps - Diamond
- Kids Camps - Diamond
- Boot Camp - Diamond
- Fitness Club - Diamond
- Personal Training - Diamond
- Weight Control Services - Diamond
- Martial Arts - Diamond
Best martial arts instructors Nathan & Sophie Skoufis
New activities and environments can cause anxiety. We have very patient instructors, and it is a non-judgmental environment. Our program is perfect for students of all ages and experience levels to ensure engagement and maximize learning goals.
Martial arts are routinely highlighted for the physical benefits it provides, however our program goes much further. Martial arts are a vehicle that aids in personal development and growth, as well as teaching self defense techniques. Leaving you to imagine how different life would be without martial arts. Our goal is to better every person's life that we come into contact with. At Guelph Family Martial Arts, we are exactly that, a family, we work together to achieve your personal goals. Martial arts dates back thousands of years to ancient times, our school incorporates traditional aspects, however we are always adding and researching new methods. We put maximum thought and effort into our program, trying to constantly innovate our program to keep the experience exciting
Our school is one community that goes far beyond our workouts, GFMA hosts many events throughout the year. These events aim to foremost allow our students to have some fun, but also allow our students to become more familiar with each other. Our events include a yearly open house that includes activities such as music, bouncy castles, face painters, demonstrations and lots of food. We hold two annual sleepovers at the dojo to allow parents or caretakers to have an evening to make plans or relax, which is a GFMA favorite, an evening including games, activities, movies and much more. We also hold P.A. Day Camps, March Break Camps and Summer Camps, our camp experience is amazing, as we carefully plan our schedule to maximize enjoyment. We also host an annual Christmas Party and Awards Banquet equipped with the most delicious buffet dinner, that highlights the past year at GFMA, along with the proceeds sponsoring children in our area. We also offer birthday parties, that include amazing martial arts games, with a black belt instructor.
The difficulties most individuals find at other schools or gyms is the workout becomes less exciting or making your own workout routine at the gym can be difficult and can be hard to self-motivate; as well without proper knowledge and supervision, injuries can frequently happen. Leave it to GFMA to plan the workout. We pride ourselves on having a safe and controlled environment to ensure every student feels comfortable. The benefits of martial arts training are large scale as you will see improvements not only in self-defence but also in physical fitness and healthy living, self-esteem and confidence building, balance and posture, memorization and retention, self-discipline and responsibility, coordination and motor skills, stranger awareness and personal safety, respect for yourself and others, school, social skills and friendship and more.
For a student to grade to their next belt, it is requirement to have a form filled out by their teacher and parent or caregiver to ensure that the student is showing respect, modesty, courtesy and more outside of the school.
Instructors
NATHAN & SOPHIE ARE A MOTHER AND SON DUO WHO ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Nathan Skoufis – 6th Degree Black Belt | 26x World Champion | Canada’s Top Trainer | Community Leader | Entrepreneur | Author
Nathan Skoufis is a 6th-degree black belt and an inspiring 26-time world martial arts champion, globally recognized for his achievements in competition, teaching, leadership, and community building. He began his martial arts journey at just 4 years old, igniting a passion that would lead him to the world stage and into the hearts of students and families across Canada.
Nathan has been ranked #1 in the world by every major martial arts sanctioning body and has earned the rare distinction of being a multiple-time overall/all-weight grand champion. He has achieved world titles in both major global competitions in the same year, multiple times.
Skoufis has been rated #1 in the world several years by the most prestigious and largest sanctioning bodies in martial arts. Skoufis also won overall/all weight grand champion world champion at the World Championships several times, one of only a few martial artists to ever achieve this goal. Skoufis is a member of the Hayabusa International Martial Arts Team. Hayabusa is the most prestigious martial arts company which also sponsors UFC Champion George St. Pierre and Nieky Holzken. Skoufis has trained with fellow Canadian George St. Pierre. He also is one of the youngest martial artists to start competing as an adult at twelve years old and to win national and international grand champions.
Elite Competitor and Coach
Nathan is a proud member of the Hayabusa International Team, joining elite athletes like UFC Champion Georges St-Pierre, with whom he has trained. He began competing at the adult level at age 12 and quickly rose to become one of the youngest international grand champions in history.
He is also a NASKA and NBL Overall Grand Champion, World Tour Event Gold Medalist, and Canada Choice Award Recipient.
At Guelph Family Martial Arts (GFMA)—the award-winning studio he founded while completing his honours degree at the University of Guelph—Nathan remains hands-on and committed. He personally leads many of the classes each week, mentoring students of all ages and experience levels. Whether it’s a child stepping onto the mats for the first time or a competitive athlete preparing for world championships, Nathan is known for bringing out the best in everyone he teaches.
Honors and Awards
• Canada’s Top Trainer Award
• Difference Maker of the Year – Guelph Chamber of Commerce
• Multiple Minister of Sport Awards
• Young Innovator Award – University of Guelph & Guelph Chamber of Commerce
• #1 Instructor for Over a Decade
• #1 Activity in the City, Province, and Country
• Three Best Rated Award Winner and Distinguished Teacher Award Winner
Keynote Speaker and Author
His speaking engagements have inspired thousands across Canada, particularly on the topics of anti-bullying, youth empowerment, and leadership.
He has been featured in major media outlets including CTV, CBC, Global News, national print, radio, and international coverage—highlighting both his athletic success and community leadership.
Community Champion
• Relay for Life, Run for the Cure, Coldest Night of the Year
• Guelph Storm, Guelph Nighthawks, OHL
• Crime Stopper
• 100 Men of Guelph – Member and Sponsor
• CW and Guelph Chamber of Commerce – Member and Sponsor
Whether on the mats, in the community, or on the world stage, Nathan Skoufis leads with passion, purpose, and a deep belief in helping others achieve their best. Through martial arts, he continues to inspire the next generation of leaders—one student at a time.
Sensei Sophie Skoufis
6th Degree Black Belt | Team Canada Member | Competition Team Coach | Women of Distinction Award Recipient
Sophie Skoufis is a world-renowned martial artist, community leader, and proud mother. A 6th degree black belt and multi-time World Champion, Sophie has been ranked #1 in the world for several years by the sport’s most prestigious sanctioning bodies. She has won world titles in individual fighting, mixed team fighting and team fighting.
A member of Team Canada and Head Coach of the GFMA Competition Team, Sophie trains and mentors athletes of all levels—from first-time competitors to international champions. She served as a National Coach at the 2020 Winter Games, where her athletes won multiple gold medals. Her insight, experience, and ability to adapt her coaching for both recreational and elite athletes have made her one of the most sought-after instructors in the country.
Sophie is also a dedicated community advocate. She has been honoured with the Women of Distinction Award and nominated as an RBC Woman of Inspiration for her work in empowering women and youth. She frequently speaks at schools and public events on topics such as anti-bullying, confidence, and leadership, and she actively supports a wide range of charitable organizations including the Children’s Foundation, Guelph General Hospital, Women in Crisis, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hope House, and many others.
With an MBA and years of experience in the franchising industry, Sophie has led national training programs, mentored new business owners, and helped inspire professionals across Canada. Her passion for motivating others shines through in everything she does—from the boardroom to the dojo.
Sophie is especially passionate about helping young women build confidence, break barriers, and achieve their personal best.
VIEW OUR CLASS SCHEDULE
We strive to offer convenient programs that work with your family’s busy schedule. If you’re ready to learn more about our class schedules, or want to learn more about us in general, contact us today!
Guelph Family Martial Arts Oath
I will develop myself in a positive manner, and I will avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
I will use commonsense before self-defense and never be abusive or offensive We are a black belt school.
We are motivated, we are dedicated, and we are on a quest to be the best.
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We look forward to hearing from you and showing you why we’re the leading martial arts studio in Guelph. Contact us today to find out more information about how martial arts can positively impact your life.
