Our son started when he was six or so, and he is still going now at age 17 (and a junior black…read morebelt). Shudokan is a great place to train your mind, spirit, and body and they make each newcomer feel welcome and appreciated.

We first found the dojo when my oldest child turned 5, and we decided that some karate classes were…read morein order to help him burn off all the extra energy. As a parent I sat and watched the class in the nice open dojo (not like some of the other dojos we visited where parents are kept behind glass, or worse - not allowed to watch at all!) and was really impressed with the varied, challenging, and fun exercises he was doing. The children's instructors at this dojo are really quite genius at getting the kids involved, keeping them engaged, and teaching respect and discipline. After a year we noticed a big difference in my son - he was more focused at home and at school (yes, even at only six years of age!) and he was always ready to go to karate. After watching on the sidelines for a couple years I finally decided it was time to join the dojo myself. I can tell you that this is not a McDojo. The head instructor, Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, is the chief instructor of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karatedo Federation (I.O.G.K.F.) and holds a seventh degree black belt. Other instructors are similarly highly ranked and they have truly earned their positions. This is a place where you work hard to move up the ranks... don't expect a black belt in one year! However, it is also a friendly and welcoming place where there is a real sense of community. I have been a student at Shudokan for six years now and have loved every minute of it!

My grandson was a member of another dojo in town prior to Budokan, while he was there I felt like…read morehe was just another number. The Sensei of the club was attentive when he was trying to get my son to join, but after a few months he couldn't even remember his name. Literally--he wrote the kids names in markers on their gi's so that the instructors could remember them. The level of training we receive now at Budokan is far superior to anything I experienced previously. Not only is it less expensive, but it's clear that Sensei Ken cares about his students. He really makes them feel like they belong, they are more disciplined and the techniques are far more advanced. In addition, Sensei is the one who actually teaches the classes, in our last dojo the Sensei had young teenage students instructing while he would make appearances in the last five minutes. It's a pleasure to see an instructor teaching because he loves the art. I have been so happy with Budokan that my husband and I joined as well and now we go as a family.

Small Traditional Martial Arts Dojo. Located adjacent to Sweet Jenny's and a quick jog to Glen…read moreFalls park. The classes are small so you don't feel like a random number in a sea of white Gi's. Instruction is in the style of Isshin-Ryu Karate as taught in the Dojo. Mizuchi Dojo offers both Adult and children classes and is a very supportive and nurturing environment for the seasoned or budding Martial Artist. The Owner Shihan William Reynolds is well versed in the martial arts.holding belts in multiple disciplines including Kenpo and Shotokan as well as being welcome addition to the great linage of Martial Instructors in the Western NY Area. Highly Recommended stopping by and checking the school out.

I trained previously younger in life, and decided to get back into martial arts for my mental and…read morephysical being. I was referred to check out Mizuchi by a dear friend of mine, who is also a student of the dojo. I can tell you whole-heartedly, that Bill and his dojo are top-notch. His teachings are in a small group setting, so you don't get lost in numbers. That setting also allows for a more personal focus on your strengths and weaknesses. Spotless and quiant setting, where he is always looking to improve and upgrade, to assure that Mizuchi is the premier dojo in WNY.

This amazing place has changed my life! Their motto "Be better than you were before", definitely…read morefits. It has instilled and is continuing to increase confidence in me. Shihan John and his lovely wife are the most patient and gentle even to the most unskilled. ( talking from experience!)

From the owner: Teaching Martial Arts (Karate) to individuals and families.read more

Kids went here for years! Excellent group of people, and very serious about the personal…read moredevelopment of our kids, and everyone elses! Dont go anywhere else without checking this place out first!

I signed both of my boys up for classes at Millcreek Karate a few months ago. I was a bit…read moreapprehensive about whether they would have the focus for the sport, but I hoped that it would help them with finding emotional balance and taking responsibility for their actions. When I first signed them up, I was a bit shocked by the sticker price compared to other local karate locations, but it was TOTALLY worth it. They can go multiple times each week, not just once like other locations. There is an online classroom so they can practice at home (have yet to really try that out, but I've seen what's available and it's impressive). The sensei is wonderful with the kids, so patient but firm. I have seen incredible improvement in my kids' attitudes and self confidence. I am so pleased with our experience here and would highly recommend this to other parents.

The boys have learned so much from the owners and staff at Millcreek Karate. You can see the…read morededication put into teaching the full balance of karate (body and mind). Variety of class times offered multiple days of the week. Continue to highly recommend these classes.

I am a mature adult martial arts student. I have trained elsewhere. At Toraguchi you do much more…read morethan train. It is a true nurturing, 'get the best out of me' dojo. This provides self-improvement of mind, body and spirit to all students - young and old. Opened in 1999, it is family owned and operated with an expansive set of connections within the martial arts community locally and internationally. It is a friendly and informative learning atmosphere with a Sensei who always attends directly to students growth. The instruction is tailored to each student, not to a dojo 'formula' or teaching method. We all are individuals and treated as such. Sensei Jonathan teaches all classes, and students routinely get one on one guidance. He maintains traditional GoJu Ryu karate values of courtesy and respect. There are regular on the mat in depth discussions as to the 'why's' behind what is taught. This greatly helps student's understanding of the meaning and connection between techniques. Sensei constantly educates himself, and this shows in the way he teaches students. He has a wealth of practical knowledge and teaches it well. Parents bring their children to attend classes; then join themselves.....what better reference can you get. The dojo is very conveniently located close to the QEW at Bronte, Lakeshore and Bronte Go Station in Oakville, with ample free parking. I highly recommend this dojo.

High quality and caring members of the Toraguchi team makes this dojo a one off a kind.read more

Excellent program…read more My son (now 9 .. started at age 8) tested karate during a 4 week after school program held at his school in September 2016; he really enjoyed it so he signed up for another 6 weeks at the karate center itself. He then decided this is something he wants to stick with and we signed up for a year. He has now started his 2nd year. The students are broken up in different time slots based on ages and belt levels. It's an open schedule, so it's up to you how often your child comes (meaning, there may be 4 time slots scheduled for your child's group, but you can choose to show up 1-4 times .. I try to bring my son twice a week). The students work on their skills under senseis. There is stripe testing every few weeks until your child reaches 3 stripes (on their belt) and then they move up to their next belt level. There is a belt ceremony held on a Saturday that is about an hour long for all of the kids (or adults, graded separately) being tested for their next belt. If your child can't make it, they will do the test at the end of a regular class and present your child their next belt and certificate. The kids feel so proud when they move up to a new belt and the senseis give them the acknowledgement they deserve. There is also sparring here that is optional at the children's age level. If you choose, they can buy sparring equipment and come to a separate class for that. My son's confidence tremendously improved since starting karate. I'm not sure if it's a coincidence, but they seem to be related for sure. The senseis also sit around with the kids after class and usually will have a word of the week in which they will discuss what it means and allow the kids to give personal examples of it. For example, I've seen them discuss the words "discipline" and "integrity". This is one of the more expensive activities my son has done, but I find it valuable in many ways .. like I said, it's not just the skill he is learning but his sense of self and confidence. There are different payment options but I choose to pay annually in full which gives a little discount. The total for a year about $1325 and it costs $40 per belt, which is every 2 month or so .. give or take .. One negative: it always smells like feet in there because well let's face it .. 20 or so kids with their shoes off and sweaty piggies is bound to stink!

Great karate school. If you dedicate the time to go to class at least twice a week you will see…read moremany positive changes in your child. Staff is all vey professional. We have been enrolled for almost a year and my son loves the school.

Amazing gym for kickboxers, boxers, and anyone trying to learn the art of MMA. Not just that, if…read moreyou are new, they give great advice on how to become a better fighter. Just there for self-improvement, perfect! Everyone is full of motivation and is completely unjudgmental. Both of the coaches are amazing people who have personally helped me through a lot, even when I wasn't the best to them. They have made me a better person, as well as teaching me how to manage my anger in better ways. I 100% recommend this gym as I have been going consistently for more than 4 months. I love Valhalla MMA and everyone who is in that building. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's success, as well as the newcomers who want to improve themselves. THANK YOU VALHALLA MMA!

This is the best gym I have eve been a member of and I tried quite a few over the years. Gail, the…read morehead coach, is not only a skilled and accomplished athlete but also a great person and a motivating teacher. Each class is different, thought through and definitely pushes my limits. I've been at this for a year and made a huge progress - from learning new skills, to losing weight and feeling healthy, to making new friends. The best martial arts place hands down.