Strong body, strong mind, strong you. More than a sport or merely a form of combat, at the York AMA our aim is to help every student become more focused, balanced, and prepared through training in traditional Martial Arts. Whether you're facing stress, old age, boredom or another person, the only way to make the battle easier is to make yourself stronger, and our program can help.
All of our classes are taught by adult Black Belts with National Coaching Program certification. Practicing Karate and self-defense is a fun, non-competitive way to break down personal barriers and learn how to be your best. Known for his enthusiastic teaching style, Sensei Verlaan is dedicated to helping students become their best.
All of our classes are taught by adult Black Belts with National Coaching Program certification. Practicing Karate and self-defense is a fun, non-competitive way to break down personal barriers and learn how to be your best. Known for his enthusiastic teaching style, Sensei Verlaan is dedicated to helping students become their best.
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The York Academy of Martial Arts is a family owned and operated school of Traditional Martial Arts run by dedicated and trained professionals. Our goal is to help people improve their fitness, confidence and their ability to effectively protect themselves through training in the Martial Arts.
Since 1990 we have been consistently voted #1 by the York Guardian and remain THE Martial Arts school to come to in Toronto's Dufferin and Eglinton west area.At our school you will find a positive and friendly group of people doing their best to improve themselves through training in the many aspects of Karate including basic techniques, Kata or forms, and kumite or sparring.
Since 1990 we have been consistently voted #1 by the York Guardian and remain THE Martial Arts school to come to in Toronto's Dufferin and Eglinton west area.At our school you will find a positive and friendly group of people doing their best to improve themselves through training in the many aspects of Karate including basic techniques, Kata or forms, and kumite or sparring.
Practicing Karate and self-defense is a fun, non-competitive way to break down personal barriers and learn how to be your best. I take taichi class there with my husband. Sensei Verlaan (both of them) are excellent instructors. Unlike many taichi classes that u just follow the movea of th instructor, sensei breaks down the moves and made learning them easy and understandable.
We arrive on Earth, blessed with a human existence, the most formidable and influential being on the planet, but with no clear instructions or even a manual to tell us what to do or how to be. It is left to us to decide, but how? The way of the Martial Arts can be a tremendous vehicle for the realization of our human potential, but only if it is recognized as a practice, and not merely something to practice.
Imagine a safe, high-energy activity with limitless learning and enjoyment that can be practiced throughout your lifetime and you are imagining Karate classes for adults at Toronto's York AMA. Our unique program consists of instruction in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Goshin Jitsu (self-defense) and ancient weapons taught in a traditional 'Dojo' environment where mutual courtesy and respect are the rule.
Practicing Karate and self-defense is a fun, non-competitive way to break down personal barriers and learn how to be your best. Martial Arts practice is a fun, non-competitive individual activity that is a great way to get kids off the couch, away from their screens, and into a healthy, disciplined lifestyle.
Reviews (11)
Kieran Smith
Dec 27, 2021
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J. B.
Jan 30, 2021
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Excellent, knowledgeable and great teachers in both Karate and Tai Chi.
Extremely positive environment; brings out the best in everyone.
Offers Karate, Self-Defence, jujitsu, MMA type training.
Everyone is very focused on helping and developing the students to grow.
-excellent class structure to bring out and advance each person in the class.
-Great warm up that includes exercises that work on strengthening and increasing flexibility.
-all are reminded to work the technique and work with their partner so no one gets hurt.
-very positive environment for the kids ... kids are taught with compassion
Extremely positive environment; brings out the best in everyone.
Offers Karate, Self-Defence, jujitsu, MMA type training.
Everyone is very focused on helping and developing the students to grow.
-excellent class structure to bring out and advance each person in the class.
-Great warm up that includes exercises that work on strengthening and increasing flexibility.
-all are reminded to work the technique and work with their partner so no one gets hurt.
-very positive environment for the kids ... kids are taught with compassion
Maria Vasconcelos
Nov 05, 2020
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York AMA is an amazing school and it fit perfectly with my family's schedule. York AMA has been the perfect academy for my son with friendly and knowledgable instructors. He has learned so much more than just martial arts including life skills like focus, respect and patience. I highly recommend York AMA.
Mr. Gee
Jan 29, 2020
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A couple years ago, we decided to enrol our our daughter in karate classes at the York Academy of Martial Arts. She was interested in trying something other than gymnastics or dance, and we are very glad that we started her with the York AMA dojo. The instruction at York AMA is top notch, as students learn important skills, such as drills (blocks, punches, and kicks), rolls/breakfalls, and self-defence. Beyond the physical training, we have noticed that our daughter (now in grade 3), has increased self-confidence, and is more disciplined when it comes to completing her homework, and other tasks
Phuong-Nghi Pham
Jan 10, 2020
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If I could come to every class offered at York AMA, I would. I am enjoying the karate adult classes as well as Taichi, which sets a different pace and state of mind - a nice way to start my Saturdays. The instruction here is top-notch and meticulous. The curriculum rotation covers the main components of karate (basics, kumite, kata, self-defense etc.). There are monthly newsletters with an event calendar and tips for taking care of the mind and body. Most importantly, it's clear that the instructors and staff care. I leave every class having challenged myself (physically, mentally) and having learned
Josephine Bella
Dec 03, 2019
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Great training in all area’s (Karate, Self Defence, sparring, Jujitsu, MMA training and tai chi).
Location easy to access with so much parking near by.
One develops so many long term and life benefits training in Karate and especially under Sensei Richard Verlaan. He and his team of instructors will provide you with an experience that will bring out your best and information and knowledge that will always be with you!!!
Suggest that all children and adults try training here and see for your self ... definitely an awesome experience!!!
Location easy to access with so much parking near by.
One develops so many long term and life benefits training in Karate and especially under Sensei Richard Verlaan. He and his team of instructors will provide you with an experience that will bring out your best and information and knowledge that will always be with you!!!
Suggest that all children and adults try training here and see for your self ... definitely an awesome experience!!!
Ada M. Y. So
Nov 10, 2019
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Genevieve Trilling
Oct 03, 2019
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Awesome dojo. My son has been attending for almost 3 years. The staff is very supportive and extremely qualified. Kids are engaged and their progress is well monitored. The location is great. Parents can watch class on a screen. The price is very reasonable. I totally recommend it for your kids if you are looking for a good, well-run and friendly karate dojo.
T. Roy
Jan 14, 2018
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I have spent a few years at a few different schools. Compared to others, this one leans to no-nonsense MA techniques mixed with conditioning and some tradional training.
It is more mind/body/spirit training with a street safety focus than tournament techniques, all wrapped in a family friendly atmosphere.
Not only has it been a great place to start and build fundamentals but also to further develop advanced skills. It is a great tool for getting in shape physically, mentally and to improve any lifestyle.
It is more mind/body/spirit training with a street safety focus than tournament techniques, all wrapped in a family friendly atmosphere.
Not only has it been a great place to start and build fundamentals but also to further develop advanced skills. It is a great tool for getting in shape physically, mentally and to improve any lifestyle.
Chris M.
Feb 03, 2017
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I joined this dojo just under three months ago and can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've made.
I was looking for a push (having become tired of my usual gym routine), was looking for something more stimulating (both physically and mentally), and was even hoping to make a few new friends. I found all three of those things at Sensei Verlaan's dojo.
The staff, teachers, and students are all friendly, helpful, and serious about making everyone who comes looking to learn feel welcome.
I was looking for a push (having become tired of my usual gym routine), was looking for something more stimulating (both physically and mentally), and was even hoping to make a few new friends. I found all three of those things at Sensei Verlaan's dojo.
The staff, teachers, and students are all friendly, helpful, and serious about making everyone who comes looking to learn feel welcome.
Chloe-Joy Slaney
Aug 13, 2013
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Trained at The York Academy of Martial Arts for almost 10 years and I have nothing but praise for this school. All of the instructors genuinely care about your well-being and development in the Martial Arts. I've tried other Martial Arts schools and nothing has even come close to what this school has done for me. I grew so much as a person thanks to my training here and through the life-long friends I have made. If you're looking to get into training, York AMA is the place to go!
