Reviews of Kenshokan Iaido and Karate

I have been to other clubs where its very military like, with everyone in lines doing the exact same thing, but here its much more about the individual. People work at their own levels and at their own spot in the curriculum. It’s very individualized instruction - not competitive either.

Another cool thing is that everything has an opponent. You might practice moves on your own to learn them, but then an opponent(s) is brought in to show you the application of everything. Looking at the higher belts, move have an actual person as a training partner all the time.

The lower belt training is kinda like some other karate i’ve Seen and done, but much more direct and practical. The higher belt stuff is really different! They don’t really block - they move and strike instead. It’s really flowing but super strong. Even here, all the higher belts move different from each other - it’s the same, but like each has their own individual expression or style.

The club has a good range of ages, physical ability, and backgrounds. There are some really good females here. It is mostly adult, except for the instructors two teenage kids.

They have some pretty cool jujitsu type stuff and knife defences too that I want to try. I’ve also seen them using some other weapons in class like double sticks and staffs.

In the other class before this one the instructor teaches samurai sword. I think he’s a 5th degree black belt in that art.

I can’t wait to learn more.

I definitely recommend it!

They don’t have all sorts of equipment and bells and whistles. But the instructors know their stuff and I’ve never met a nicer group to train with!

I trained here for two years before moving away, and it was an absolutely wonderful place for me! They aren't a business and were never trying to sell me on memberships or charging me for every little thing, like belts and tests. I paid a low fee as a student and I learned awesome arts. I also grew a lot as a person.

The arts aren't sports, so I really felt like I was doing something real and effective. The samurai sword training (iaido) was excellent, and the karate was really no-nonsense. It was the best I've ever taken.

The instructor is great, and he even had people who came to train with him who were instructors in other martial arts in town.

Classes are in big old church hall, so there is no machines and heavy bags and other frills (but the instructor and assistants do bring in mats and other basic equipment. ). The change room is a washroom or a room attached to the hall. So, it's not a flashy space, but does that really matter?

So, if you want great training in great arts with great people, then I highly recommend it.

An excellent group of people! I immediately felt welcome. Instructor has a great teaching style and it's really a club effort where everyone helps everyone else. I can't believe they don't charge more, but instructor says he isn't there to make money and would rather keep it affordable so more people can train. So far I'm in Karate because that's what I trained in before, but the sword work looks amazing, too.

This group has been in our community for 3 years now and have quickly grown to be an outstanding club with excellent martial artists. The group is connected to the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto, and so has access to there iaido instructors. I know many people who are members and they all say it is great with a really good insturctor that really knows how to teach.