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!

I have been training in this place along my daughter and I can say that it is fantastic. From all…read moreangles; conditioning, discipline, self-defense, community, I highly recommend the experience.

From the owner: Shaolin Martial Arts Canada is a self-defense oriented school dedicated to the study and…read moreapplications of Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu, as well its culture, philosophy and principles. As an official Overseas Shaolin Cultural Institution, our purpose is to provide an environment that cultivates confidence through Respect, Self-Control and Self Discipline, as well as an overall positive mind-set and peaceful spirit. Our curriculum is deeply rooted in tradition balanced with progressive and innovative teaching methods, allowing for students of all ages to explore both the ancient and modern world of martial arts, while achieving their fitness and personal development goals. Each student is seen and treated as a member of our Shaolin family, creating a bond you will not find anywhere else! We offer many services including: - Martial arts Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults - Age and level specific classes - Kids After School Programs, Pick up available - Flexible schedules -NEW! On site private tutoring for Grades 1-12, including french immersion, French Language, Mandarin reading and writing, and more! - Birthday Parties - Kids March Break and Summer Camps!

I signed my two sons up to Karate, knowing the many benefits it offers hoping that they would enjoy…read moreit and that it would stick. My eldest son has ADHD and for years he never wanted anything to do with karate, because he doesn't like to fight or hurt people. Thankfully we followed his best friend into a trial class after observing many classes. Pat Sensei is a very kind, likeable and knowledgeable teacher. His encouraging and supportive attitude affects all who come to the Dojo. My son has shown increased focus and he is self driven with a desire to master his kata. He has sustained focus, an aptitude to do better and he gets a good physical workout too. Goju ryu karate teaches how not to fight so this approach/philosophy suits my son. As the parent of an ADHD, child we look for ways to best help our children thrive in all areas of life; exercise, better sleep, focus, sustained attention, working memory, impulse control, self-esteem, respecting others, problem solving, and recognizing social cues and social skills. I am so happy that in Meibukan karate and with Pat Sensei, all of these skills are used. The many different coloured belts and ages of other students allows for students to learn alongside and from peers close to their age as well as other adults. This is all done in a super friendly, supportive and welcoming environment. Pat Sensei is driven by a love of karate and teaching and not by sales and this speaks a lot to me about the kind of place we want to be. After sitting on the sidelines and watching the many classes (usually I would drop the boys off for activities and go!), I couldn't help but enjoy the atmosphere and community. I asked my husband to come and watch with me. He too was impressed. We both found ourselves saying that we would join too. I'm shocked because I never would say that I was interested in karate whatsoever. For me, I have a foggy forgetful Mom brain and the distraction of this gentle learning felt refreshing and emptied my overly busy mind for the duration of the class. We will all progress in our own time at our own pace but I'm glad we are on this journey as a family. As close to middle age parents, we have our post covid health in mind and joining with our boys shows them that we value our health too. I highly recommend Pat Sensei and Meibukan Karate!

My son is always so excited to go to class! He loves learning and making new friends.read more

From the owner: Keswick Karate offers the best blend of traditional Karate, Kali, Kickboxing and Krav Maga in a…read morefun, friendly and energizing environment!

The place is kept clean the people are nice they pick up the children from school; you see all the…read more sensei and teachers every day, they greet you at the door. Every parent knows each other so we know each other and are friendly to each other and no matter how late we are to pick up our kids they have someone watching them and they wait until we get there without complaint and no extra charges. Real godly place. What I seen so far.

Lewis Karate School Feels Like Home! Recently my family…read morerelocated to the City of Barrie. My 7 year old son had a hard time moving in the middle of the school year and was struggling with his self- confidence and as a mother my heart was breaking. Until I found a local treasure Lewis Karate School. From the moment I was first greeted on the phone it was clear that this was more than a Karate School, this was something special! Fida was so kind and so helpful over the phone that it made me want to reach through the phone and hug her. When I finally got the chance to meet her in person, she was even more delightful and if I owned my own business I joke with her I would try to steal her away, she makes you feel so welcome and her smile is so genuine you can't help but love her spirit. Meeting Mr. Lewis was a true honour and the moment he introduced himself to my son and corrected my son's use of "Yup" to "Yes Sir", I was hooked. His way of making your child listen and his passion in instilling respect not only towards instructors, but to MOMMY and DADDY, well I just can't thank him enough After, one encounter my son was sold on being polite and remembering to thank me for everything, he wanted Karate school and he learned respect will afford you many things. I noticed my son change in a matter of one week, his passion has become this school, he attends 6 days a week, without having to be asked, he is begging to go. He no longer worries about whether he is the best at something, fearing if he isn't the cool kid, he now appreciates that everyone is different and Karate has given him something to call his own and be proud of. I beam when I see him bow to go onto the floor, and marvel as he immediately starts doing sit ups and push ups before class has even started. Once on the floor the positivity and genuine care that the Instructors give to all the children is beyond words. I would go just for positive reinforcement after a rough day to hear Mr. Devon and his shouting "Indominable Spirit". This is not just a Karate school, yes they train the beauty and determination of Martial Arts, but it is so, so much more. The Instructors take the time to know each child, offering encouragement and teaching them that it isn't about who is better, it is about each individual being the best that they can be. If these words do not peek your curiosity, I will leave you with one last touching story. I noted that without fail every night when class was over my son would wait to be the last one to "high five" his instructors after class and then watched as he pounced on them with gigantic hugs. I asked him after class one night, Noah , why do you hug everyone after class, and these were his words "because mom, they are awesome teachers and I just love them for making me happy". I could go on forever as to why I love this school and everything about it, I would recommend everyone to try it once and could easily guarantee you would never want to leave. I wish I could give these wonderful people the world for what they have brought into my son's life, and into my own, they are like an extended family that we have been blessed to find.

Great place for the whole family. My kids love Jiu-Jitsu, Karate and playing in the band. I have…read morebeen doing Jiu-Jitsu for the past year, and I love to share this art with the kids. It gives us common ground and we have something to share as they grow up. Come check it out.

From the owner: Enlightened Martial Arts Academy is the perfect blend of self defense training, discipline, and…read moreoutrageous fun. Our programs range from traditional Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, to martial arts inspired homeschool music ​day programs like Recorder Karate, traditional band and French language classes. At EMA the quality of our training is just as important as the community we have of amazing students and and families. We offer classes for all ages and skill levels.

I don't usually write reviews for anything but Leo Wongs Tae Kwon Do and Krav Maga is honestly the…read morebest martial arts/real-life self-defence school in Canada. I come from an immigration/security/law enforcement background and have lots of training in use of force as well as some martial arts. Before joining this gym I thought I had nothing to learn. Raymond showed me I know nothing. He has a no-nonsense way of training using real-life scenarios as well as demonstrates amazing skill and teaching ability. Even though it is a group class Raymond makes sure he spends time with each student working on his or her skillset. From day one they made us feel safe after we saw all the safety precautions in place for the safety of students. All equipment is clean and ready to use. The training facility is very clean and organized. There is lots of new equipment available for each student at no cost. I would recommend them to all my friends, male, female or even children. Each class is created for its intended, student. Last but on least I have lost 15 pounds in 2 months of training twice a week. Raymond motivates and inspires you to push yourself. Thank you for allowing me to take part in this amazing program

I have been taking the Krav Maga program for about a few years now and absolutely love it. Raymond…read moreis an excellent instructor who loves what he does. I love the camaraderie of the class very much as well. The level 1 classes are challenging and consist of a lot of cardio and self defense fundamentals. Level 2 and up is a whole new ballgame with intense drills, cardio and sparring. Raymonds classes offer a very positive and encouraging environment which keeps you coming back.