The Story Behind Midtown Toronto’s Leading Martial Arts Sanctuary

Both of our kids joined Evoke Little Dragons at age 5, and it has been an incredible experience for our family. Through martial arts, they’ve learned discipline, focus, and commitment, but even more importantly, kindness, respect, and resilience. Each class begins with a character trait of the week, which sets the tone and helps kids practice these values in a fun, meaningful way. The instructors are skilled, patient, and engaging, making every lesson enjoyable and educational. Beyond just martial arts, Evoke is a supportive community where kids grow not only physically but also emotionally and socially. We’re so grateful to be part of it!

My children have been coming here for martial arts for four years now and I finally decided to try it out myself. Instructors go above and beyond and are always kind and friendly. My kids are as comfortable with the staff as they would be with our own family.

I know the place for about nine years. Somehow I missed to leave a review earlier! My kids going there learned patience, respect, social skills in addition to their martial art techniques. They gained self confidence and experienced deep friendships. Our lives were much easier when it came to teenage emotions!

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.

This is an awesome class! Really enjoy the cardio burn as well as the instructor who keeps the workout exciting and interesting. So glad I joined.

My son has been with Hapkido for about 5 years. He started as a Little Dragon and now he is in the kids class. It's been a great experience for my son as he has developed to be confident and more focus. The instructors are awesome and they continue to bring excitement in every class.

I want to share the remarkable difference I have seen in my two sons since their enrollment in the Hapkido programme in September. Not only has there been a notable boost in self confidence and academic performance, both boys have gained such a sense of accomplishment and pride as a result of their achieving their first belts. The testing process challenged them in a public form and the pride they felt in this accomplished has yet to wane in their presentation of themselves. With attendance at 2-3 classes per week, I have noted a dramatic drop off in meltdowns, improved week night sleep and a general harnessing of a much more positive energy. The staff is unbelievably involved with each of the students, addressing each child and parent by name and supporting & encouraging growth and development on an individual basis. On a whole, my children's ability to focus, harness energy, respond to authority and discipline has grown in such a positive way - I cant wait to see the progress another year will bring 🙂 Thank you Hapkido!!

I love the trainers, the staffs, and the trainees at Evoke Martial Arts. The trainers are always full of energy and encourages myself and the trainees to try our best in each class. The staffs are friendly and are there to help us with any questions we have regarding class, etc. Overall, Evoke Martial Arts holds a welcoming atmosphere where one could feel comfortable.

This is the best activity I have ever had my kids participate in. The instructors are engaged, competent and involved. Great discipline!

This is a perfect place if you're looking for discipline, control yourself and inner strength. Wellness, good shapes are just bonus from the good work out. What you'll have is not just sweat or losing weight but also new life style. Highly recommend!!

I've been attending classes at this school for several years now, and while my fitness level, strength, and overall physique have improved considerably, what really keeps me going is the supportive and friendly atmosphere. This school embodies a sense of community that makes learning martial skills fun. Most of the classes are about half female, and you will find all kinds of people there, from beginners who have never worked out before to highly skilled black belts who are always happy to share their knowledge with everyone. I love how it trains my body as well as my mind, and Master Dayo (the head instructor) teaches the thinking behind martial arts in addition to the skills themselves. If you're looking for an easy, light exercise where you don't need to sweat or work very hard, then this is not the place for you. However, if you are looking to really make a difference in your body and learn skills that apply to multiple areas of your life, then I would highly recommend Toronto Hapkido Academy.

What I love most about this place is how friendly and welcoming all of the instructors are as well and the other members. The workouts are intense and everyone motivates and pushes one another so that everyone can get the best workout possible!

I am new in the kickboxing world and had no much idea what to expect when I showed up for my first class in this studio. Absolutely great experience, amazing workout and kickboxing basics taught in a very clearly and fun way. Totally suggest if you are committed and what to get in shape and feel motivated.

My son has been attending Evoke for approximately 2 months. Evoke is awesome! I would recommend sending your child to Evoke. The instructors are caring and provide an environment for learning, discipline and respect.

Absolutely amazing no matter what you choose: from kids martial arts classes and camps to adults classes. Always attentive approach and lots of support! Thank you!

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!

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!

Our sensitive, smart, playful, and slightly scatter-brained son was being bullied at school by a number of children over two years. In addition to our efforts dealing with the school, my wife and I were looking for a confidence-building activity for him. Back when I was in my twenties and early thirties, I trained heavily at an Okinawan Karate and Ju-Jitsu school in Markham, but I was initially hesitant to have my 5-year-old son try an art I didn't have a background in. Eight months in, here are my observations: I am VERY IMPRESSED with T.H.A., both for their kids Hapkido and adult Muy Thai classes. There are schools cheaper, and closer to where we live mid-town (Toronto), but IMHO, this place is an EXCELLENT value, and well worth the slightly longer drive. I have not experienced their adult Hapkido classes, but I suspect they will be just as good if not better, considering this is first and foremost a Hapkido school. Children, teen, and adult classes, martial arts and fitness occur throughout the afternoon and evening. The schedule isn't posted on their website, but you can get it by emailing them. I found their no-strings-attached, free intro classes for my son and myself thoroughly enjoyable. They offer a few membership packages based on how much you can afford, and how much you want train. We went with the annual Hapkido membership for my son, and I chose a medium-term Muy Thai membership as a trial for myself. As luck...and my own carelessness would have it, I sustained a significant injury while on a ski trip. T.H.A. were happy to put my membership on hold, with no conditions. As soon as my doctor gives me the OK, I'm going back! We've also attended a number of their community BBQs, and parties: Hilarious, and family friendly. Well worth going. Our 4-year-old is itching to start. Bar none, T.H.A has the best kids martial arts classes I've ever seen! Their instructors PERFECTLY strike that hard to achieve, balanced mix of discipline, fun, physical challenge, technical instruction, and character-building. The latter is in the form of engaging discussions in Honesty, Empathy, etc. that are part of each 30 minute "Lil Dragons" class. How they effectively pack each class with all of the above is definitely worth seeing for yourself. In addition to the exercise, I really liked this character-building piece for our son. I see his physical skills, confidence, patience, and ability to verbally assert himself steadily growing with each week. As for my experience, I found the adult Muy Thai class also struck a perfect balance of ensuring a safe space, comfortable for beginners, while also steadily amping up the physical and technical challenge. I felt playfully pushed, but also supported when I needed to back off (I've got more than a few injuries). I also felt instantly welcomed. That was nice. My fellow participants were all shades, shapes, abilities, and intensity levels. I made a point of wiping the sweat out of my eyes every now and then to look around and see how others seemed to be doing. Everyone seemed to be finding the perfect level of challenge for themselves, while having a blast. I know I was. The school is well stocked with quality sparring gloves and pads if you don't have your own. If memory serves, you get gloves and wraps with an annual membership. The class I took was partner-based work with gloves and pads. Fun! No ceiling-mounted heavy-bags, but movable "heavy" punching bags with the weighted bottoms. They even have little ones for the kids classes! Target Market: Family, Individual, & Couples...so basically something for everyone. Conclusion: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Take an intro-class and see for yourself. Ryan

I have been doing kickboxing here for a month and a half now, and so far this has been my favourite form of exercise I have done. Everybody working is super kind and supportive, and the trainers (Tess in particular!) are really knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

I'm so glad I discovered kickboxing and T.H.A! The small class size, friendly instructors and welcoming environment make me look forward to going to class every week. They know everyone by name! What I really like about the classes is that they are never the same, so it's never boring and your muscles won't be used to a routine.

My family has been a part of the Hapkido Academy community for 6 years and the benefits cannot possibly be counted! I feel incredibly lucky that both of my sons have been learning this martial art since they were 4. It has instilled self value, confidence and a mind body connection that extremely useful in all they do on and off the mats. The instructors take the time to learn about each child. They have created a welcoming learning environment for all who walk in the door. The adult classes are as challenging as you would like to make them. However, there is a balance of structure and pure enjoyment!

This place is great for kickboxing. I love how Tess (the instructor) pushes you and motivates you throughout the whole workout. Its fast paced, hard on the body and 100% worth it. You will feel you’re whole body working during the class and even couple days after. Definitely recommend.

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!

Great place to start martial art at young age. Class is very organized and the teachers are awesome with kids. I wish the class last a bit longer. Definitely recommend for kids.

We started our Hapkido experience with the Lil' Dragons program for our two girls. They loved it instantly! Master Dayo and the other instructors make the leaning fun and rewarding. In every class I not only see them learning the physical steps of martial arts, but also self discipline and team work, in a fun and caring environment. My girls are so proud when they come home with their new belt stripes that they have earned, but beyond the belt progression, they have learned life skills such as how to properly cope with and manage bullying behaviour (even at their young ages). They have a teaching approach that keeps the kids attention, laughing and learning all the way. I was so inspired I started taking adult classes myself!