Contact Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing

Q: Can I try a class before committing to a membership?

Yes. We offer trial classes for both adults and kids, and we don't pressure trial participants into signing up right away — many members start with a class pack to build a routine first. Because our peak hours get busy, we ask that you call ahead or book your trial online rather than walking in.

Q: Do you host birthday parties, and what's included?

Yes — our karate-themed birthday parties are one of our most popular kids' offerings. We handle setup, instructors lead obstacle courses, ninja challenges, and martial arts activities for the full two hours, and your child gets to break a board at the end. You bring the pizza and cake; we take care of the rest, and the studio is yours exclusively for the party.

Our martial arts studio is conveniently located for families in Midtown Toronto, Leaside and East York, Yonge-Eglinton, Davisville Village, and North Toronto communities.

Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing is about a 5 minute walk from Leaside LRT station, located on Bayview Avenue – about 2 blocks south of Eglinton Avenue. Lots of free parking around, and easy to access by TTC.

Get In Touch

We are happy to assist with any inquiries about our
awesome programs, , membership prices, or to schedule a trial class.

LOCATION:

1669 Bayview Avenue #200
(Bayview, south of Eglinton)
Toronto, ON. M4G 3C1

CONTACT:

(416) 440-2828

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
Friday: closed
Saturday: 9am to 2pm
Sunday: 10am to 1pm

Suggested driving, transit, and walking directions:

From Leaside LRT station: Exit on the south side of Bayview Ave, walk 5 minutes towards Fleming crescent.
From the North (Lawrence Park/Yonge & Lawrence): Take Lawrence Ave E to Bayview Ave, head south.
From the West (Yonge-Eglinton/Mount Pleasant): Head east on Eglinton Ave E, turn south onto Bayview Ave.
From the East/South (East York/Leaside): Head west across the Leaside Bridge/Laird Dr towards Eglinton Ave W, turn south on Bayview Ave.

Contact us to learn about the Leading Toronto Martial Arts classes for adults or kids.

Excellent

Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing5.0

Based on 396 reviews

K S.

Our daughter absolutely loves the ‘lil dragons martial arts classes and is always excited to go. She loves the structure, the instructors, and the positive atmosphere. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and genuinely care about the kids. They’ve found a great balance of fun, discipline, and encouragement, and we’ve seen such a positive difference in our daughter’s confidence and skills. We’re so happy we found this program and look forward to watching her continue to grow.

Josh L.

Ms. Tess runs super fun kickboxing classes. Finishing her class feels like a huge accomplishment every time because the workout is so intense! The environment at Evoke is really inclusive and the people there are all wonderful. By far, my favourite way to change up my workout routine and keep things challenging.

katherine D.

If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free place to host your child’s next birthday party, we highly recommend Evoke! We hosted 15 classmates for Tommy’s 6th birthday, and from the moment we arrived, everything was ready to go. The studio was set up with tables, and Mr. Theo and Ms. Layla took charge, keeping the kids engaged the entire time with obstacle courses, ninja challenges, martial arts activities, and nonstop fun. The best part? All we had to provide was the pizza. Evoke handled the setup, activities, and entertainment, making the entire experience incredibly easy for us as parents. The 2-hour party was perfectly organized, with plenty of time for pizza, cake, and celebrating with friends. The highlight for Tommy was getting to break a board at the end of the party! Having the entire studio to ourselves made it feel private, safe, and relaxed for both the kids and parents. We’re so grateful to be part of the Evoke family and thankful for helping make Tommy’s 6th birthday such a special and memorable day. ❤️🥋🎉

Laila B.

My son absolutely loves this studio! It's his second time engaging with martial arts and his first time trying Muay Thai / kickboxing, and he thoroughly enjoys both. Master Dayo, Miss Tess, and all the trainers on site are fantastic. The studio is clean and inviting. The community is also both welcoming and serious. 5 stars!

Gabriela S.

I’ve been training Muay Thai at Evoke for over a month now, and honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made this year so far. I originally started with the idea of just releasing energy, but it’s become so much more than that. It’s a full workout, a stress reliever, and a way to train your mind to stay 100% focused even after a long, exhausting day. Somehow, you find energy you didn’t know you had and usually finish feeling amazing. The coaches are highly knowledgeable and genuinely care about your progress. Evoke is a place where you truly feel a strong sense of community. In this short time, I’ve learned something from every person I’ve been paired with. There’s no ego here—just people who genuinely train from the heart. I’ve also made great friends along the way 🙂 thanks yall!

asako H.

We recently hosted our 6-year-old’s birthday party here. While typical options for kindergarten to early elementary kids are indoor playgrounds or magic shows in party rooms, this was our first time trying a karate-themed birthday party—and it turned out to be an amazing choice. From the planning and booking stage, the staff were always very responsive and patiently answered all of our detailed questions. On the day of the party, we had a mix of slight nervousness and high expectations, but the experience far exceeded them. The staff were energetic, fun, and did an excellent job keeping all the children fully engaged and well organized from start to finish. Within just 10 minutes, my son was completely soaked in sweat from all the excitement, which made everyone laugh. Meanwhile, the adults were able to relax and enjoy coffee while watching everything unfold. Our whole family was extremely happy with the experience, and all of the guests also said it was “the best party ever” and “we want to do it again!” We would highly recommend Evoke’s karate birthday party to anyone who hasn’t tried it yet. It truly exceeded all expectations. Thank you so much for such a memorable day!

Narges M.

We have been members at an Evoke for years now and it has been one of the best decisions our family has ever made. The amount of care and thought that is put into every program makes it clear that this dojo is a labour of love. It is rare to find a program that is well thought out, authentic, challenging and rewarding, and Evoke's Lil' Dragons program is just that. The children aren't just learning martial arts, they are learning life skills. Each lesson is imbued with the pillars of discipline and respect that are essential not only to a successful martial arts practice, but also to living life with integrity even when they get off the mat. The instructors are experts at bringing out the best in the kids, while emphasizing accountability and rewarding progress. We are so lucky to have such an ethical and ambitious dojo in our community, and our children's lives have been so enriched as a result. Evoke is truly a rare gem. Thank you so much to all the instructors who make the Evoke team #1. You guys rock, thanks for doing what you do!

Oni

I sent my child to Evoke’s kids camp, and they absolutely loved it!😍 The teachers take great care of each child and give them lots of individual attention.👍🏻 With a variety of programs and fun activities, my child had an amazing time. Highly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Horton L.

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!

Susan M.

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.

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.

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.

Linda K.

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.

Reilly C.

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.

Maki N.

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!

Darin R.

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.

Cata C.

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!

Isaac H.

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!

Katie

Very fun. A/C is great and since I have asthma, it makes it easier to catch my breath. Instructors are so kind and helpful. The classes are just challenging enough to get through while resetting from the day and motivates me to work towards improving something each time. I like how they DON’T pressure you into membership commitments right away with vague sales tactics. It was actually recommended to start a class pack to build a routine before committing to a membership plan. And yes I will be getting a membership.

Anna Maria D.

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!

Alex P.

Words can’t even describe how amazing evoke is. I have been doing the kickboxing classes for one month now and it has made me feel so strong in my body and mind. I have had the pleasure so far of being in a class with coach Alec, coach Tess, and Coach Elona and they are all amazing instructors. They really go above and beyond. Every class is challenging but so rewarding. Thank you!

Kim P.

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!!

Sharon B.

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.

Natalia P.

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 🙂

Meghan L.

My son attended a birthday party for 4 year olds recently at Evoke. The 3 instructors leading the party were absolutely phenomenal. I've never been to a party with such enthusiastic and friendly instructors...they really made the event! The space was also so bright and clean. We had an amazing time and plan to enrol in a class soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need any experience to start a class at Evoke?

No experience needed. Every program at Evoke – Fitness Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Hapkido, for our adults and our kids’ classes – is structured to welcome complete beginners. Instructors adjust pace and technique to each person’s level, so you can train alongside more experienced members from day one without feeling out of place. Our programs also run all year round so new members can join any time.

2. What age does my child need to be to start martial arts at Evoke, can siblings take classes together?

We offer age-specific programs starting at age 4. Lil’ Dragons is designed for ages 4 to 7, our core kids’ martial arts program covers ages 8 to 12, and our teen program runs ages 13 to 17. Each class is built around what kids at that stage can actually focus on and accomplish, so the curriculum (and the energy in the room) is genuinely age-appropriate rather than a watered-down adult class. Our kids martial arts classes are offered back-to-back; making it convenient for kids with younger or older siblings.

3. Can I try a class before committing to a membership?

Absolutely. We offer trial classes for both adults and kids, and we don’t pressure trial participants into signing up right away – kids typically by attending a complementary class and then enroll for our 3-week trial after to build a routine first. Adults start by booking a tw0-class trial pack through our website. Because our peak hours get busy, we ask that you call ahead or book your trial online rather than walking in.

4. Where is Evoke located, and is there parking nearby?

Evoke is at 1669 Bayview Avenue #200, about two blocks south of Eglinton Avenue, serving Leaside, Midtown Toronto, East York, and Davisville Village. Street parking is available right on Bayview Avenue, with additional free parking on nearby side streets. If you’re taking the LRT, it’s about a 5-minute walk from Leaside station.

5. Do you host birthday parties, and what’s included?

Yes we do. Our karate-themed birthday parties are one of our most popular kids’ offerings. We handle setup, instructors lead obstacle courses, ninja challenges, and martial arts activities for the full two hours, and your child gets to break a board at the end. You bring the pizza and cake; we take care of the rest, and the studio is yours exclusively for the party.

6. What should I expect to pay, and are membership prices listed online?

Membership pricing depends on the program and commitment level, so we don’t publish flat rates online – every family or individual has different goals, schedules, and program needs. The best way to get accurate pricing is to book a trial class or call us directly at (416) 440-2828, and we’ll walk you through the options with no pressure to commit on the spot. We love that members who commit to us do so because they find us to be a good fit – so we always recommend attending a trial class and get to know us better.

7. What’s the difference between Fitness Kickboxing and Muay Thai at Evoke?

Fitness Kickboxing is a high-energy, calorie-burning workout built around bag work and combinations set to music – it’s fitness-focused, with no sparring/fighting. Muay Thai goes deeper into technique – incorporating clinch work, and striking combinations, ring applications, and sparring (for level 2 members) – appealing to those who want a more technical, sport-oriented practice. Many adult members do both, depending on their goals that week.

8. How long has Evoke been operating, and is it a trustworthy choice for my family?

Evoke has served the Leaside and Midtown Toronto community for over 20 years, originally founded as Toronto Hapkido Academy in 2005. We maintain a 5.0-star rating across nearly 400 Google reviews, and many of our current members (and instructors) started as children and are now adults still training with us – a strong sign of the long-term trust families place in our instructors and programs.

For over 20 years, we continue to serve our community through partnerships with local public schools, groups, and business in Leaside.

Our Story

*Our peak operations hours are quite busy, so we are unable to accommodate walk-in trial class requests. To help us serve you better, please call ahead to schedule a trial or book online through this website.

Book a trial class