Northern Karate Schools
6 reviews 865 York Mills Rd #19, North York, ON +1 416-441-3648 www.northernkarateschools.com suggest an edit
01 May 2022 12:12
NKS - Celebrating its 50th year anniversary (2022), I am truly proud to be part of this organization. Been continuously training for almost 10 yrs at this location. The knowledge I have gained is impeccable. I strongly recommend it to every age group.
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I'm replying to a review posted by Stay Close.
Fyi, I'm not an employee of NKS Don Mills. Like you I'm a student and a volunteer of the Dojo.
1.) Too many students attending the same class, there is no space to practice Kata properly.
Space at the dojo has never been an issue to practice kata. I've always find ways to practice before or after my class. Besides, you should also be practicing at home.
2.) Instructors teaching you the same thing differently.
Are you interpreting this differently? In what way are they teaching it differently? During my BBM years, I would attend different class with different teachers. I try to understand their approach and incorporate it with my training. I never interpreted it as them teaching differently. None of them have ever said that this is the correct method.
3.) Restrooms are often in bad shape.
Please tell me instances that they were in bad shape. The only time that restrooms had an issue was due to the entire complex issue last couple of months.
4.) Some black belt instructors can't even run, too old, huge bellies.
Did you even realize why they can't run? Karate is not about running. Too old? Huge bellies? When did it become a requirement that Karate is only for young and skinny people. Did you know that our oldest member at this location is over 85 yrs old and a 3rd degree (Sandan) black belt?
5.) Instructors keep wandering around and adjust your extended hand in a punch.
Instructors move around to check/correct every student. If it came to a point that they are correcting your punch, then maybe you have not improved the way you are punching. Try to ask yourself. What you need to do to improve your skill set. Learning is a two way process. Instructors are there to guide/show students. Students have to exert their effort and follow what they have been taught.
By the way, the next time you do a review, I suggest you sign/type your name so your issues can be properly addressed by the administrators.
I also suggest that you assess your goals as to why you joined NKS? Maybe you are here for the wrong reason. Otherwise, approach the administrators about your concerns instead of bashing NKS that has been in existence for over 40 years.
_
I'm replying to a review posted by Stay Close.
Fyi, I'm not an employee of NKS Don Mills. Like you I'm a student and a volunteer of the Dojo.
1.) Too many students attending the same class, there is no space to practice Kata properly.
Space at the dojo has never been an issue to practice kata. I've always find ways to practice before or after my class. Besides, you should also be practicing at home.
2.) Instructors teaching you the same thing differently.
Are you interpreting this differently? In what way are they teaching it differently? During my BBM years, I would attend different class with different teachers. I try to understand their approach and incorporate it with my training. I never interpreted it as them teaching differently. None of them have ever said that this is the correct method.
3.) Restrooms are often in bad shape.
Please tell me instances that they were in bad shape. The only time that restrooms had an issue was due to the entire complex issue last couple of months.
4.) Some black belt instructors can't even run, too old, huge bellies.
Did you even realize why they can't run? Karate is not about running. Too old? Huge bellies? When did it become a requirement that Karate is only for young and skinny people. Did you know that our oldest member at this location is over 85 yrs old and a 3rd degree (Sandan) black belt?
5.) Instructors keep wandering around and adjust your extended hand in a punch.
Instructors move around to check/correct every student. If it came to a point that they are correcting your punch, then maybe you have not improved the way you are punching. Try to ask yourself. What you need to do to improve your skill set. Learning is a two way process. Instructors are there to guide/show students. Students have to exert their effort and follow what they have been taught.
By the way, the next time you do a review, I suggest you sign/type your name so your issues can be properly addressed by the administrators.
I also suggest that you assess your goals as to why you joined NKS? Maybe you are here for the wrong reason. Otherwise, approach the administrators about your concerns instead of bashing NKS that has been in existence for over 40 years.
23 April 2022 16:51
If you’re looking for a dojo that honours karate’s rich, Okinawan roots, teaches you real-life self defence drills from world-class instructors, and encourages a healthy lifestyle to boot (with a flexible and versatile schedule), then NKS is the right dojo for you. I’ve been at the Don Mills dojo for the last 8 years of my life and it would not be an exaggeration to say that they have been some of my best years, where I have not only learned (and continue to learn) many Kata and martial drills, (both empty hand with weapons), but have also made true and lasting relationships with my fellow training partners.
The dojo is also VERY family-friendly so if you’re looking for a place to send your kids, then you should send them here! NKS instructors teach structure and focus among the many basic and kata drills they run, and above all else, are excellent at building confidence in all kids (and adults alike).
Highly recommend!
The dojo is also VERY family-friendly so if you’re looking for a place to send your kids, then you should send them here! NKS instructors teach structure and focus among the many basic and kata drills they run, and above all else, are excellent at building confidence in all kids (and adults alike).
Highly recommend!
09 April 2022 8:27
I went to this school about 6 years ago, before I moved out of TO. There are some real freaks who teach martial arts, but these guys and gals are the real deal. Very friendly, and not a Steven Seagal type in the bunch. (thats a good thing if you have never taken martial arts)
23 March 2022 2:34
2022 will mark 50 years that Northern Karate Schools has been impacting and changing lives. Students are blessed to have a deeply researched, diverse and documented curriculum, delivered by caring, invested world class instructors. 3 to 93, all NKS students receive a very warm/forever welcome, dedicated instruction, correction, encouragement, a true sense of achievement, community/family in a safe and supportive, (we/together) environment.
As an NKS student for almost 25 years, and the parent of 2 NKS Black Belts, I encourage and invite any parent standing on the sidelines to do what I did and join your child (ren) training. Available family classes, you’ll train together in addition to various belt level (children/youth/adult) classes to challenge your continued journey. Health, body, mind, spirit, community, collective NKS family, life changing and cherished relationships with instructors and fellow karateka, a forever journey.
One of the best life decisions we ever made for both our children and ultimately myself. OSU!
As an NKS student for almost 25 years, and the parent of 2 NKS Black Belts, I encourage and invite any parent standing on the sidelines to do what I did and join your child (ren) training. Available family classes, you’ll train together in addition to various belt level (children/youth/adult) classes to challenge your continued journey. Health, body, mind, spirit, community, collective NKS family, life changing and cherished relationships with instructors and fellow karateka, a forever journey.
One of the best life decisions we ever made for both our children and ultimately myself. OSU!
10 January 2022 22:40
NKS Don Mills is a great institution for children to learn karate. Kyoshi Walsh and his team are extremely passionate about what they do and this passion reflects in their work.
My son has spent almost 2 years at this institution and has done extremely well. It is a great place for anyone looking to enroll their kids in a karate program.
My son has spent almost 2 years at this institution and has done extremely well. It is a great place for anyone looking to enroll their kids in a karate program.
21 November 2021 19:40
Northern Karate Schools (York Mills) is an amazing environment for individuals interested in a solid martial arts/self defence education (both for children and adults). The owners and staff are caring, thoughtful and are consistently working to create a safe and respectful environment. We particularly like their emphasis on developing both physical and mental strength with a ‘student creed’ said at the end of each class reminding students to focus on becoming the best versions of themselves. The focus here does not seem to be on competition but on community and leadership building, which we really appreciate. We have been at the school for almost a year and highly recommend it for its fantastic instructors, the responsiveness of its administrators and amazing program. Awesome job Michael, Rene and team - keep up the great work!