Yoshukai International Karate School

My son has been attending Yoshukai International Karate School for 4.5 years. He was not quite five when he started and he has always asked me when the next Karate day will be. Since joining the dojo in the beginning of 2013, his confidence, focus, mind and body awareness have soared. He loves Kumite League and tournaments, and has happily earned many awards and certificates for his accomplishments and participation in events (even the small accomplishments -- to a child, that means a lot). Students learn to trust, honor and respect their dojo instructors and fellow students, learn from senior belts, and in turn, earn their own seniority as a senior belt when they pass their belt tests. They are also given lots of opportunity to give back to the community, and learn to be a kind, caring and helpful karate students not only in the dojo, but as a member of the community in every aspect of their life. Sensei Mark, Sempai Shelley and all of the instructors hold safety in their dojo during training, tournaments, and security of their students (and families) to the highest priority. We have never felt anything less than a part of a wonderful family at Yoshukai International, and I have sent families to Yoshukai, who feel the same way. In this day and age, trust, finding a dojo where the Sensei is a true black belt instructor in the martial art they are teaching, zero politics, and child safety is something of extreme importance to my husband and I, in activities for my children. I found everything I was looking for, for my son, at Yoshukai. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone who would like to learn Karate. The first month is free, which means you can have upwards of 16 classes before you decide whether to continue, but I'm sure you'll find you would like to stay.

My children have been attending Mark and Shelly's dojo for eight years. They request respect and manners from all those that attend their dojo and they respond with equal actions. Those that are a part of the dojo are held to high standards of behaviour and expected to be accountable for their choices. Because these values align with those of my family it is refreshing to see this reinforced so consistently and kindly by Mark and Shelly. No student is expected to be perfect but they are continually encouraged to be the best they can possibly be for themselves. The opportunities for personal growth extend far beyond those of just learning the skill of karate. Students are supported as they advance in skill to begin teaching students in lower belts. Special classes are offered to learn how to referee and the students can then volunteer to officiate kumite league Friday nights. Students are also able to participate in the purchasing and delivery of food to local families in need for Christmas. Belts are not handed out without students putting in the time and effort to earn them so its not the place to go if you want fast and easy advancement. I could go on about the life skills my children have gained from attending karate at this dojo but I recommend checking it out yourselves.