Why choose Evoke Martial Arts:

Evoke (formerly T.H.A – Toronto Hapkido Academy) distinct herself by bringing a fresh approach to a martial arts world that is saturated with misleading stereotypes, subpar operations, or outdated methods.

At our Toronto martial arts school, we are on a mission to train for a difference.

Functionality, safety, and fun.

These are at the core of all our programs. We challenge the typical martial arts school experience.
Beyond tournaments and medals, fighting ability and self defense, or aesthetic rituals; we focus on the very essence of what martial arts training is all about – You.

Our Purpose:

To Evoke the human spirit and Unleash the courage the Impact our world through the power of martial arts.

Our operational values:

  • We are honest, personable, and kind.

  • We love what we do and have FUN.

  • We create a community that is family like, inclusive and safe.

  • We operate responsibly and are fiscally healthy.

  • We are fit: mind, body, heart and soul.

  • We are neat and clean; we make our environment better.

  • Our ongoing personal development is driven by black belt principles of humility, excellence, leadership and mastery.

Reviews:

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Isaac Hall
My daughter has been attending classes here for the past year and is loving it. The instructors are great and very welcoming! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a spot in Toronto for their children to learn/practice martial arts!

We also recently hosted her birthday party here and it was a huge hit with all of the kids! 10/10!
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Bryan Stein
My daughter is 5 years old and loves her classes. Evoke does a wonderful job teaching the kids self defense and life skills to help them excel in life.
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Iago Carvalho Pinto
Evoke is amazing. The personnel is always very friendly and helpful! I would totally recommend it for anyone who would like to try martial arts classes!
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Michelle Guni
I’ve been attending the fitness kickboxing classes here and it’s been a blast. I was looking for something challenging and these classes are exactly what I needed. They combine resistance training with cardio and plyometrics. Overall, the classes are super well rounded and I leave every class feeling worked. I highly recommend trying these classes out.
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Sharon Blemings
I joined Evoke kickboxing after a 15 year break. This program is wonderful. Miss Tess and her instructors are great, guiding you through the techniques and fitness workouts. They are very welcoming to new people taking the classes for the first time. They do not pressure you for a membership after your trial classes which is a testament to their core values. However, if you do decide to continue your fitness journey with Miss Tess and team, you will not regret it. All ages (adults) are welcome (I am 58) and you will never feel out of place.
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Namwezi Bould
Evoke martial arts is a great place to start a martial art, I just joined a month ago and everyone is so kind, welcoming and accommodating. The teachers are great and amazing at their jobs. And overall it’s just a great place, I already feel like I have learned and understood a lot about hapkido.
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Sienne Lau
We recently hosted my 7yo son's birthday party at Evoke. We were blown away by Evoke's hospitality and level of service. All of the kids that attended had a blast playing ninja group games and competing in obstacle courses. We were so impressed by the instructors' enthusiasm, patience, and professionalism. They were also so helpful with party set-up and clean-up. Highly recommend Evoke, and we will most likely be back!
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Shehrose Rehmani
My 7 year old son loves his martial arts classes at Evoke and looks forward to it every week. I appreciate the high number of instructors to students ratio, the adaptable approach instructors take for the younger students vs older students.
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Jo Z
I joined Evoke MA (KB class) last summer.
It was just to try since their location is too far from my home, I thought.
After the KB trial classes, I started to attend once a week...then twice. Now, I show up 3 times a week.
The classes are so full of energy and you mix that with fun and motivating instructors, who would not come back for more :).
I would recommend the class to anyone who is looking for a good work out in a fun environment with no judgement.
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Cata Cerqueira
The space was perfect for my 7-year-old's BD party, and all the moms were so impressed! The entertainers were amazing—kept the kids happy and engaged.
Everything was professional, fun, and well-organized.
Highly recommend Evoke team for a truly stress-free, memorable party!
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Sophia Rossos
I started Hapkido classes several months ago with zero expertise and my experience at Evoke has been incredible! Taking up a new skill or sport especially as an adult can be really intimidating but everyone has been incredibly kind, caring, patient, and supportive. I’ve learned so much, I’ve had so much fun, I feel a lot stronger and I constantly look forward to my Tuesday and Saturday classes. I highly recommend the classes to anyone who wants to try something new!! A huge shoutout and thank you to everyone at Evoke for their amazing work!! I just got my yellow belt today and I’m so excited to come back in the New Year!!
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Linda Khalfi
I’ve been a member of Evoke Martial Arts on and off for the past 8 years, and it’s truly so much more than a place to train, it’s a sanctuary.
From the moment I walk through the doors, I feel at home. Stepping onto the mats both grounds and energizes me, no matter what kind of day I’m having.
The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, disciplined, kind, and deeply empathetic. Over the years, they’ve become like family. What really sets Evoke apart is the culture, there are no egos here. Everyone, from beginners to advanced students, shows up with a true beginner’s mindset, which makes the space feel welcoming and safe.
Some days are strong, others are challenging, but the respect and encouragement are always the same. I’ve never felt judged, only supported.
I would recommend Evoke to anyone looking for a great workout, a meaningful challenge, and a place where you can learn at your own pace, regardless of your fitness level or experience. It’s also a fantastic place to have fun, release stress, and enjoy some great music while hitting the pads.
Over the years, I trained Muay Thai and Hapkido 3–4 times a week, and more recently I’ve shifted into kickboxing classes 1-2 times per week, which align better with my current fitness and wellbeing goals. I appreciate that Evoke offers flexibility and supports members wherever they are in their journey.
If you’re new to martial arts or returning after time away this is a place where you’ll feel welcome, challenged, and genuinely cared for.
I cannot recommend Evoke enough.
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Darin Ruest
Love this class - have my 4 year old son enrolled and it teaches more than just martial arts, it teaches etiquette, respect and life lessons as well as boosting confidence. A nice clean and bright facility, awesome instructors and a family atmosphere.
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Anna Maria Doumouras
This is the second year my children have attended this camp. The first year they only went for half a day but they loved it so much that they begged to go for a full day this year. Needless to say, they want to go back next year! Thank you to all the staff who made their experience memorable for the past two years, we’ll see you again soon!
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annabelle pikar
I don't have enough good things to say about Evoke. The teachers and students are incredibly inclusive and kind. Every teacher has a genuine care for your improvement and goals. Overall Evoke has been a great experience so far and I constantly stay excited for my next class.
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Susan A
I came across Evoke through a Google search. We are not in the area but can easily drive within 30 mins. I chose Evoke because of what their core principles are, the array of disciplines offered, the ease of starting at any point (my teens were both beginners) and the added benefits of what it is like to become apart of a chosen family. We chose the teen MMA and kickboxing class. My teen girls were hooked after their complimentary session! I have already seen an increase in their confidence and self-esteem. The highly skilled staff at Evoke are very approachable and make you feel right at home. I absolutely recommend this program for all teens.
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Alexandra Kim
my 10 year old daughter had a great time at Evoke camp this week. She really liked the mix of activities, games and obstacle courses and was really excited to go each day.
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Steph H
I have been attending the fitness kickboxing classes for just over a month now and I’ve been really enjoying it! It is such a great dynamic workout that includes both cardiovascular and strength training. The instructors are all amazing here too! You will get a lot out of these classes!
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Kim petesmithinc
I am really enjoying kickboxing classes!! Tess makes each class about having fun and challenging yourself individually. I never have felt out of place from the very start. Dayo and Tess host a fun, friendly workout environment!!
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Michael.
I signed up my son for a trial this past summer after trying several other martial arts programs around the city. After one trial class my son was committed to return - a naturally shy boy, my son really took a liking to the large bright space and reasonable sized classes. Evoke is truly a community that pushes growth in their discipline, respect for others and overall fun and learning.
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Brian Loevner
Evoke is a wonderful community of practice. They are a family, provide guidance, support and care while they teach martial arts. They are more than just a place to take classes. Highly recommend!
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Bill C.
Best dojo in the City...Hands Down. No egos' and very encouraging no matter were you are at. Try out the free into. class they offer. You will not be disappointed. Great for all ages.
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Lima Soudah
Professional, clean and friendly staff. I have a closer martial arts academy just facing my house but I prefered this one for the mentioned reasons.
Highly recommended!
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Andrea Moniz
My son had a great week, I would highly recommend this camp. The staff were professional and did a great job keeping the kids entertained.
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Rayb Urn
Work on your cardio, increase your heart health AND learn practical applications with respect to self defence/offence and discipline. Multiple class offerings to suit your goals and schedule. A warm team building atmosphere and a sense of welcome will keep you inspired to show up to class. Watching your body transform into a lean fit fighting machine as the training days go by will motivate you to achieve more in all aspects of life. Instructors are amazing and inspiring.
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Zaine A
I took a fitness kickboxing class here and from the sign-up through to the actual class, I had a great experience. The team is great with communication and set very clear expectations on what to expect at the studio. The facility is clean and I feel that there is a good emphasis on respect, community and challenging yourself. There's a lot of encouragement. The studio runs some classes for kids at the same time (but a separate section) as adult classes which is pretty convenient. There is street parking in front of the studio and other parking lots close by. The studio is on an upper level so there are stairs involved.
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Susan Mallin
Been about 15 years now of both Fitness Kickboxing and Muay Thai. Some of the little Dragons from way back are adults now, and kicking my butt:) (sometimes...lol). It's a respectful and good vibe atmosphere. I recommend this club no matter how old you are, or what level you are. I plan on retiring my gloves when I'm 80 or when they tell me I no longer know my right from my left anymore. Whatever comes first. See you on the mat.
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Maki Nemoto
I took adult kickboxing lessons with 2 different instructors....they are amazing and I really liked the way they encouraged me, strict but enjoyable. It is a great way of releasing stress and building up your body!
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Hania Durrani
I've been a part of Evoke since their teen hapkido program, and as an adult in their fitness kickboxing program and there is truly no other place I'd rather go to. The environment & structure of classes at Evoke is challenging yet rewarding and I leave each class feeling stronger than before.

One of the unique things about Evoke are the way their classes are structured to provide the members with a total body workout, eliminating the need for a traditional gym. I also love how they incorporate deep breathing sessions at the end of certain workouts for a proper cool down and to get in touch with your body and build that muscle-mind connection. I have left certain classes feeling humbled by the combos, which gives me more motivation to keep going back and getting better at the moves.

Lastly, my favorite thing about the club are the instructors Miss Tess, Elona and Master Dayo who are exceptional at their jobs. They are supportive, but don't hesitate to push members to their best potential, all the while remaining kind and encouraging. As a result, Evoke has become a happy place for me that I'd recommend everybody to join, despite their fitness goals.
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Reilly Chang
I have been a part of Evoke's Hapkido classes for 10+ years now. In that time, the passion for the art that the instructors have has been transferred to me. As I trained, I have continued to love my time on the mats tackling new challenges and pushing myself; both mentally and physically. The instructors are always encouraging and give useful feedback to help my skills develop. Furthermore, the facilities are incredible too. There are washrooms, changerooms, two big mat areas and the best part, everything is super clean. The other students in the classes are also wonderful, always kind and helpful, willing to work through challenges together. Master Dayo and Ms Tess have fostered not just a wonderful martial arts environment but more importantly a wonderful community I am lucky to call a second family.
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Natalia Payne
I've had my 2 girls participating on Evoke's Little Dragon Program and strongly recommend it. The instructors are great with children, the classes as fun and engaging and I feel the program is also a strong reinforcement for the children to develop discipline and self-confidence. 5 stars for sure 🙂
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Wamaka Bould
This is a really amazing place to train in hapkido! it’s just such a welcoming environment! All the students are so friendly, the teachers are very skilled and helpful. This place really knows what they’re doing! Couldn’t recommend more!
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Mursal Rizaey
A great martial arts club with skilled, professional coaches that focus on proper technique while making the classes challenging and fun. The community is super friendly and supportive, don’t hesitate to join!
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Laila Omar
The place is large and very clean and welcoming. The teachers are great with kids and knowing how to keep the younger kid’s attention. It’s a great practice for my son who is 4 and a half. He gets so excited to go every time.
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Alba Belli
I highly recommend Evoke Martial Arts school. My daughters have been training here for a year and they absolutely love it. The instructors are fantastic—supportive and skilled. I've seen my girls gain confidence, discipline, and new friendships. It’s a wonderful place for kids to learn and grow!
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Kyle
I started at Evoke martial arts a month ago, every class has been a blessing. Instructors are kind, understanding, professional, personable, and essentially everything you can ask for. Despite the fact I am a beginner, and my less than great attendance, I still enjoy class and retain a sense of belonging. I’m extremely thankful that I can be a part of such a great community. I would strongly recommend this establishment for anyone interested in fitness and/or martial arts.
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Evoke Difference

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FAQ

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