The Story Behind Midtown Toronto’s Leading Martial Arts Sanctuary

I have absolutely zero complaints about Toronto Hapkido Academy. I have been in the junior hapkido program for about three years and I will list some of the things that makes this martial arts school outstanding. First of all, the environment makes you feel at home. Everyone is polite and friendly. The building is warm, bright, and welcoming. The classes are not competitive and there are almost as many girls as boys in the class. Secondly, the instructors are truly amazing. They are very skilled in a variety of martial arts and they have the ability to teach nearly any age group. They really care about each and every one of their members. Lastly, The classes have an incredible variety which keeps me learning something new every time. I have learned kicking, kickboxing, joint locks, throws, and grappling all in my one program. The classes are small so you get lots of time with the instructors to refine the techniques. Martial Arts can not be learned alone and Toronto Hapkido Academy is a perfect example of how instructors make all the difference when it comes to the quality of the school.

Training for a month already and it truly feels like my life has changed. I’ve never signed up for fitness classes and it is all I think about doing now! My body has definitely changed and very effective to achieving my goals. The staff are very welcoming and friendly, it is a wonderful community. There is no judgement, only focusing on the progression of one’s skills. Instructions are easy to follow, the coaches are wonderful. The programs are much worth trying out!!!

Evoke is a wonderful space for my 10 and 15 year olds. Leia is always looking forward to her Hapkido practices and is a big fan of her instructors. Amir loves the Muay Thai classes. The environment at Evoke is the perfect combination of supportive and disciplined. I highly recommend Evoke to anyone who is looking for a great martial arts studio. Nas

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!

My 6 year old son loves his Hapkido classes. He goes twice a week, and can't wait to get there. The instructors know all the kids' names and monitor their progress, making sure to involve everybody right from the first (trial) class. The kids learn about being focused, being respectful, behaving responsibly - on top of practicing the "moves".<br/>I was impressed with how diverse the groups are, with high girl/boy ratio, and with how well the program is thought out. Hapkido is not just about the martial arts, kids are encouraged to demonstrate responsibility, kindness, respect, and strive for progress.

My family is greatly benefiting from our experience with THA Martial Arts. Not only are my boys becoming physically stronger, and more knowledgeable about self defense, but they are also becoming more confident and are learning important values. I appreciate how they are encouraged to focus on their own self discipline and skills development rather than comparing themselves to others. I also truly value that they must truly earn and pass their belt test in order to move forward. When my son did not pass, he was told so in a very respectful way. I think he learned to fail with dignity that day, and returned to his class with renewed effort. In the end when he passed with confidence, he told me it meant more because he knew he had to earn it. We also love the sense of community and family when we are there. The events are always fun and our family feels like are a part of something bigger than just showing up for "lessons" . A great place! Thanks

My son attended the Hapkido classes for a short time here. Unfortunately, we are moving very soon and he is not able to attend anymore. In these few weeks, he has learned so much that he is determined to continue with martial arts and Hapkido. He loved being in Evoke Martial Arts School with his new friends and instructors. Besides physical strength, he also started learning discipline. As parents, we liked being able to attend and watch the classes, feeling much like being a part of the family. Thanks for everything one more time.

Been in the hapkido class for about a year and a half, the people and the environment are nice and learning techniques are interesting and exciting

I recently had the pleasure of participating in the kickboxing lessons, and I must say it was an absolutely exhilarating experience! From start to finish, every aspect of the session exceeded my expectations, leaving me feeling both physically and mentally empowered. Here's why I would wholeheartedly give it a 5.0 rating: 1. Expert Instruction: The kickboxing lesson was led by 2 highly skilled and knowledgeable instructors who demonstrated exceptional expertise in the art of kickboxing. Their ability to break down complex techniques into digestible steps made it easy for beginners like me to grasp the fundamentals quickly. Their constant guidance and encouragement throughout the session helped me improve my technique and push my limits.

Great place for everyone! The adult classes are welcoming and exciting. There is always something new to be taught and you are constantly challenged to push your body to obtain great fitness results. The children's classes are fun and dynamic from start to finish. And it's great for families too! I would recommend this place to anyone who has ever had even the slightest interest or curiosity towards martial arts. It is more than just kicking and punching. This place will really give you a different look of martial arts.

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.

Definitely recommend it! The instructors are very friendly and supportive. I have improved my techniques much better! Not only that but ever since I joined Hapkido, I have made a decent amount of friends, in which they're really nice and not only the instructors are good at teaching but they're good at motivating the students to push forward and giving instant life lessons itself. For a 15-yr old who joined Hapkido last summer, It is definitely worth a shot to register here.

Being part of the evoke community is invaluable to us, my boys love their classes and are not only learning a skill but also learning to be a better human.

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!

Love this place and love Master Dayo and Miss Tess. We have one boy in "Little Dragons" and one in "Kidz." I go to Adult Kickboxing which is the best workout i get because it incorporates agility, strength, and cardio. Everyone is upbeat and it helps me get into the workouts. I like the combination of upper and lower body. Along with changes in my diet i've lost 30 pounds so far this year. Can't say enough good things. Thank you!

Joining fitness kickboxing class at this gym was a good choice! Tess is a great trainer, the gym is clean and nicely temperature controlled.

The best place to train and experience friendship under supervising of professional coaches. The ambiance is a home. They gonna mail you a handwritten postal card after joining which was so impressive for me that they didn't print a typical card and just put the address on an already printed sticker, they put effort and they write something by hand for me! That made a very good feeling for me! Keep going folks and it's my pleasure to be one of you!

I started Hapkido Teens class more than two years ago and I have become stronger and more energetic ever since I newly joined. What I like most about the classes is the discipline, not only does it help me in my training, it also helps me with school and any form of exercising. It is truly a community and I plan on going to classes and events in the future. All their classes teach technique and train physical, mental and spiritual strength. I definitely recommend these classes to people of all age, there is a right class for you.

Excellent Martial Arts Academy! My son loves his Lil'Dragons classes. The instructors are patient, supportive, and create a fun learning environment. I've noticed significant improvements in my son's confidence and discipline. The facility is clean and well-equipped, with flexible schedules for all ages and skill levels. Highly recommended!

I’m loving the kickboxing class at Evoke. The class is intense and fun. I can get my workout done and spend some time with great people 🥰😊

I signed up our 8 year old son for a week night activity hoping only for some fun and some exercise. Evoke has been the most wonderful experience for us all. In addition to having fun while burning lots of energy, the wonderful team of instructors are also teaching (and expecting) respect, focus and teamwork. These healthy life lessons are incorporated into every conversation and teaching moment and as a parent, it is wonderful to see a group of children absorbing not only the techniques but the important messages that come with them. Thank you to the great Evoke team for all you do with our children.

Been having a lot of fun here, they work you hard and teach you the fundamentals of Muay Thai. Highly recommend if you are looking for an alternative workout!

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

Great instructors, very friendly and knowledgable. The facility is on the second floor which is very bright and it is always very clean if that matters for you.

I have been taking the online classes since the beginning of the pandemic and I cannot recommend them more! They have fantastic classes with clear and concise instructions. Great motivators and teachers!