Toronto Karate Club

Unfortunately this wonderful dojo closed two years ago. I spoke to Sensei Mike today who said that he won’t be starting up again anytime soon. I am really sorry as he was truly inclusive, soft-​spoken and encouraging and also a high ranking sensei master. My son learned a great deal about the history, philosophy and kata of karate in addition to respect of everyone, their capablilities and stabillity. He missed the master from Okinawa who visited every two years.
There was a very good group of students of varying ages in the adult group. Unfortunately they didn”t keep in touch with my son much during and not after it closed. Sensei was kind, gentle and the price very reasonable. He and a another not only came to visit my son after he broke his leg, he gave him a very good quality gi. How very thoughtful. Sensei did not start up again that summer, 2013. My son was very disheartened as he was working on his blue belt.
It was the present management at High Park Fitness that drove the group away for more money and made it impossible to continue there. (Many good fitness instructors there have also felt that they had to leave often having their hours and even pay reduced I was told by one instructor). Member fees are constantly going up. Less is included in the fee. Families of 2 cannot get a family or reduced rate. Long week-​ends see no classes for 4 days. There are only seniors classes during the day (which tend to be cliquey) and for fit seniors they are too low level especially the aquafit. It also means that non-​seniors are unlikely to join to allow more classes.
Another karate studio in the area has been there for 2 decades and is about 3 times more expensive and far less accepting of mistakes of anyone let alone having the mildly disabled feel accepted despite adding on perks. My son does not feel included there and the style while supposedly the same seems more rigid even harsh and so very different.
Where do you recommend?

While looking for a traditional Okinawan style Karate studio, I found «Toronto Karate Club.» They teach a traditional Okinawan Karate called Meibukan Goju Ryu. Goju-​Ryu is the style made famous in the original Karate Kid movie and was founded by Okinawan Karate master Chojun Myagi. This studio has a direct lineage to Okinawa and the lead ‘sensei’ studied with Myagi’s heirs in Okinawa.
The class starts and finishes in the traditional Okinawan way by bowing to those that have gone before, the instructors and each other. Respect and courtesy are key components of the structure. This does not appear to be a school for ‘macho egomaniacs’ — rather it is a school intended for those that which to learn a classical style, understand modern /​«real life» applications and get a decent workout at the same time. If you’re looking for a ground fighting mixed martial arts school, this is not the place for you.
Overall, the atmosphere in the classroom was friendly, helpful and very positive.
The studio itself is not a full time ‘dojo’ facility. It is held in the High Park Recreation Centre’s fitness room. The facilities themselves are adequate, but the A/​C had a bit of a hard time keeping up and caused enough white noise that it was hard to hear the instructors. This is the only factor causing me to deduct the single star. I don’t mind sweating while working out, I just don’t really like not being able to hear the instructors.
The prices were reasonable and there were a number of flexible payment options if you’re someone whose life precludes the ability to attend regularly scheduled classes.
It was a small class because it was summer, so I enjoyed the direct and personal attention. The instructors were friendly, respectful and knowledgeable in their skills and effect in teaching.
Essentially, if you’re looking for a traditional martial arts style with solid lineage and roots, a good workout and decent people — I recommend this school wholeheartedly.