Evoke Martial Arts FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping on the Mats

Have questions about our adult martial arts programs, fitness kickboxing, kids & youth programs, or trial options? Find quick, transparent answers below.

We believe in clear communication with zero high-pressure sales pitches.

20+ Years

Of Excellence serving Midtown Toronto communities

5000+

Happy Members and Families

evoke martial arts toronto
Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing5.0
Based on 395 reviews
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!!
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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.
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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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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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Michelle G.
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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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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Hania D.
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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Lauren F.
I've been going for kickboxing fitness classes for a few months now and the experience have been amazing. Was not intimidating at all when I first joined, as the instructors have all been very nice and are able to breakdown the workouts into easily digestible steps, without compromising on the intensity. You will sweat!!! Facilities are clean and the class often comprises of people with varying fitness level. Always a great atmosphere and everyone motivates each other. If you're looking to learn kickboxing, or even try something new while getting into shape, then definitely recommend Evoke.
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Chris F.
I have been a part of Evoke Academy Martial Arts for over 5 years, and I can't recommend it enough! The HIIT kickboxing and Muay Thai classes are top-notch, providing an intense workout that keeps you motivated and coming back for more. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, ensuring that every session is both challenging and enjoyable. The sense of community here is unmatched, and I've made great friends along the way. If you're looking for a place to train and improve your fitness, Evoke Academy is the place to be!
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Camila
My daughter had an amazing time during March break. She loved the obstacle courses, the mission impossible race, and the pizza party. Everything was well organized and the coaches were great with the kids. Evoke is a wonderful place to go and exercise as well. The fitness kickboxing program is great and helped me get back in shape. Thank you Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing for everything!
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Ricardo G.
The workouts are intense and effective. The instructors are skilled, offering clear instructions and individualized attention. The gym’s focus on technique ensures a challenging yet safe environment. My fitness has improved noticeably, and I appreciate the supportive community that encourages everyone to achieve their goals.
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Lawrence L.
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.
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Anjana R.
After attending the first of 2 kickboxing trial classes at Evoke, I felt so good that I decided to sign up right away! I am not a person who is motivated at a regular gym without instruction. Here, the academy and the instructors have such good, positive energy. They understand your endurance levels and tell you to put in as much effort as you can while also making sure to gently encourage you to test and push your limit each time. I saw results in just 3 classes in being able to hold my plank longer than my first class. Love that every class focuses on improving kickboxing technique and has different combos and burnouts. In my 5 weeks here my endurance, fitness levels and breathing has improved. Also happy that my sciatica that used to affect me often while walking, had completely gone away in less than 2 weeks. I should mention that they take the time to personally check in via text to see if you’re ok when you miss a class. The camaraderie is instant here amongst members and staff. 🙂 Thanks, team, for being so wonderful!
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Tania Y.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a kickboxing lesson at Evoke Martial Arts and I must say, it was an outstanding experience. The class was held on early May and took place in a clean and well-maintained training area. The highlight of the lesson was undoubtedly the coach. They were incredibly patient and knowledgeable, taking the time to guide us through various kickboxing combos. Their teaching style was effective, as they explained each technique clearly and demonstrated it with precision. I particularly appreciated their willingness to provide individual attention and personalized feedback, ensuring that every participant understood and executed the techniques correctly. The class had a great atmosphere, with a diverse group of participants who were enthusiastic and motivated. The energy level was high, creating an encouraging and supportive environment. It was evident that the coach fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students, which made the lesson even more enjoyable. In terms of the workout, the kickboxing lesson provided an excellent physical challenge. The coach incorporated a variety of exercises to warm us up and stretch our muscles before delving into the techniques. The cardio component was intense, offering a fantastic opportunity to improve endurance and burn calories. I have been so impressed with my experience that I have already recommended this kickboxing lesson to many of my friends. If you're looking to learn kickboxing in a supportive and engaging environment, I highly recommend giving this class a try. The coach's expertise, combined with the well-maintained facilities and the positive atmosphere, make it an exceptional choice for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. In conclusion, my kickboxing lesson at Evoke Martial Arts exceeded my expectations. The patient and knowledgeable coach, combined with the energetic class atmosphere, created an environment that was both enjoyable and conducive to learning. I highly recommend this kickboxing lesson to anyone interested in improving their skills and overall fitness. Thank you to the coach and the staff for providing such a fantastic experience!
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Doris S.
I joined Evoke almost 2 months ago and I’m really enjoying it! The teachers are attentive to each student and make you feel empowered to get through each tough workout. I have a Shotokan Karate background and have been quite out of shape so I was looking for something where I could use my passion for martial arts but also get my body back in shape and Evoke is the perfect place for that. I’m very happy I joined and highly recommend it! If you’re scared or shy, try one class and I’m sure you’ll be back again!
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Elizabeth P.
I am new to Kickboxing and the classes are beginner friendly and a lot of FUN. I have been very impressed with the professionalism, family vibe, and positive energy! I highly recommend Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing. You will love it!
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Geet K.
I have been attending Fitness Kickboxing session for over a month now. I must say, it has been an amazing experience. The trainer is very experienced and always motivate to push yourself to the limit.
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Ambre A.
I joined Evoke in August as I was starting my journey to become healthier (both mental and physical). I have been going regularly to the kickboxing classes since then and I really enjoy it. The classes are very good workouts and I feel that I am getting stronger. Everybody is very welcoming and nice. The app make it easy to sign up for classes and they provide both gloves and hand wraps with a membership. Overall I am very happy that I joined evoke and can't wait for my next kickboxing class!
wrap your hands for kickboxing

Questions about our trial programs:

We offer a variety of trial options for prospective members to try us out first.

It is important to us that you enjoy your experience, see the benefits, and find us to be a good fit.

Navigate to the program page of your choice and click on the trial button to get started.

Absolutely.

Training is more fun when you participate with a friend, and you are more likely to stick to attaining your goals by holding each other accountable.

You can select the option to bring a friend when you book online, or kindly give us a call if you require assistance – (416)440-2828.

That’s ok too.

That’s the whole idea of a trial… give it a shot to see if it’s right for you.

One of our operational values at Evoke is to be honest, personable, and kind; so there are no sales pitches or gimmicks to try and get you to enrol 🙂

Ps: we are able to accommodate only limited trial per session spots. We ask for your kindness and thoughtfulness when considering booking a trial, with the deepest and special appreciation for serious inquiries.

To protect the privacy, safety, and focused learning environment of our students — especially in our kids’ martial arts classes — we do not allow unscheduled walk-in spectators.

However, we love showing prospective members and families our space!

We are happy to arrange a private, off-hours tour of our Midtown studio where you can see our clean facilities and speak directly with our instructors.

If you want to see our active classes in action, check out some of the classroom training videos on our Instagram page (@Evoke.Ma)! @Evoke.Ma

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.

10 Martial Arts Principles to Help Your Child Become a Better Sibling

Questions About Kids Programs:

Not at all 🙂

In fact, our programs are designed is a way to allow new members to join at anytime.

Unlike many kids programs, martial arts is not a seasonal activity.

It is also no secret that martial arts training can make a difference in a child’s life in ways many popular activities can’t.

However, these life-changing benefits happen as a result of a committed process rather than a short term fix.

Get in touch by booking a free trial class for your child. We’d love to meet you and share how our programs could be transformative in your child’s growth.

No. We offer age-specific lessons at all levels.

Evoke is a leader in offering well-structured children’s age-appropriate children’s martial arts classes.

Our signature programs were organically created to also target the various stages of growth and development in kids.

Click here to learn more about Evoke’s kids programs.

At Evoke Martial Arts, our approach to anti-bullying focuses on building unshakeable inner confidence and verbal boundary-setting, ensuring physical self-defense is always a last resort.

Through our structured age-appropriate self-protection and Hapkido training, your child will learn assertive body language, situational awareness, and de-escalation strategies.

By introducing safe, controlled grappling and boundary drills, we strip away the fear of physical conflict. This newfound physical capability naturally transforms into quiet confidence, helping your child stand tall against peer pressure and bullying behavior at school.

We don’t compromise on your child’s developmental safety.

To maintain the absolute highest standard of safety and instructional quality, our youth programs are strictly separated into age-specific development tiers: Lil’ Dragons (ages 4–7), Kids Hapkido (ages 8–12), and Teen mixed martial arts (ages 13–17).

Because a 5-year-old and an 11-year-old have vastly different physical milestones and social needs, separate classes ensure your children receive specialized coaching tailored to their exact age bracket.

However, to accommodate busy Toronto family schedules, we intentionally run back-to-back classes for the different age groups.

Select days also have our kids’ classes alongside our adult kickboxing sessions (on a separate training floor), allowing the whole family to train under one roof at the same time!

Our specialized Lil’ Dragons curriculum welcomes children starting at 4 years old.

At this developmental stage, our classes are carefully structured to introduce the fundamentals of movement, balance, and listening skills through high-energy, fun-filled martial arts drills.

We ensure an excellent student-to-instructor ratio so your child receives the individual attention and positive reinforcement they need to thrive, build early confidence, and follow classroom instructions seamlessly.

Evoke’s Lil’ Dragon classes are well structured and group into two separate cohorts for Jk & SK children, and Grades 1 & 2 kids.

Oh… yes!

We have just as many boys as we do girls. Women also make up a significant number of our members and also our instructor team.

Evoke Martial Arts is committed to offering a training environment that is family-like, inclusive, and not gender dominated.

Safety is the foundational cornerstone of our academy.

Our youth martial arts classes are conducted on premium, professionally sanitized, high-impact padding under the constant supervision of certified adult instructors and mentors.

Beginner students are taught in a strictly non-competitive, safety-first curriculum centered on personal growth rather than heavy sparring or injury-prone combat sports matches.

Your child will also learn how to fall safely, control their movements, and respect their training partners in a highly controlled environment with zero egos, keeping the risk of injury exceptionally low.

Yes! Beyond our core weekday and weekend class schedules, Evoke Martial Arts is Midtown Toronto’s premier destination for fun-filled youth programs.

We host action-packed, fully supervised Summer Camps, March Break Camps, and PA Day Camps filled with customized obstacle courses, team-building activities, life-skills workshops, and themed martial arts fun.

We also host legendary, stress-free, karate-themed birthday parties where your child is the star of the day, and our staff handles all the hosting and entertainment from start to finish!

Evoke fitness program

Questions About Adult Programs:

Our adult fitness kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Hapkido self-defense classes are strategically scheduled to fit around busy professional and family routines.

We offer multiple convenient time slots throughout the week, primarily focusing on evening classes after the typical workday, alongside high-energy weekend morning sessions.

Because our schedules evolve seasonally to keep up with member demand, you can view our live, up-to-the-minute class times directly on our Class Schedule Page.

Absolutely! In fact, the majority of the members joining our growing community step onto the mats with zero prior martial arts experience.

At Evoke, our training environment is entirely ego-free and supportive.

Every single class is designed to be highly beginner-friendly, featuring structured, step-by-step instruction.

The workouts are progressively scalable, meaning our certified coaches will show you how to modify any combination or exercise so you can safely train at your own comfortable pace while still challenging your limits.

Yes, our daily adult fitness and martial arts classes are fully co-ed.

We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and family-like environment where every member feels welcome, safe, and valued, regardless of gender or athletic background.

In addition to our regular co-ed schedule, we periodically host specialized, niche workshops – such as our highly requested Women’s Self-Defense Courses – held during select dates later in the calendar year.

Connect with our front desk or follow our updates to reserve a spot for the next session.

Yes, a significant percentage of our adult membership is made up of women, ranging from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.

We are incredibly proud that women are heavily represented across all our programs, including our elite coaching and leadership team.

Evoke Martial Arts is dedicated to preserving a balanced, safe, and gender-inclusive training space where you can focus entirely on your fitness and self-defense goals without ever feeling out of place or intimidated.

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, combat sport-oriented practice.

Some adult members do both, depending on their goals that week.

Not at all! We want your introduction to Evoke Martial Arts to be entirely stress-free.

For your introductory trial classes, all you need to wear is comfortable athletic clothing (like a t-shirt and gym pants) and bring a water bottle.

We train barefoot on our professionally sanitized, soft-padded floors. We will happily provide the necessary training gloves and safety gear for your trial sessions.

If you choose to join our community afterward, premium gloves and hand wraps are included directly with your membership package.

women in hapkido

Membership Questions:

We pride ourselves on total transparency with zero hidden fees. Our flexible membership tiers start around $45 a week, depending on how often you or your child plan to train.

Because we want to make absolutely sure our inclusive community is a perfect fit for your lifestyle, wellness goals, or family schedule, every single member begins their journey with one of our low-cost introductory trials.

We don’t believe in long-term contract pressure – just life-changing personal growth.

No, we do not lock you into rigid, multi-year contracts or use aggressive high-pressure sales tactics.

We offer flexible agreement lengths designed to match your lifestyle and training goals. Our agreements are structured to build true consistency and skill progression – especially for our youth development programs – while still giving you the freedom to scale or adjust your membership as your schedule changes.

We want you training at Evoke because you love the results and the community, not because a legal document forces you to.

Absolutely. We understand that busy Toronto schedules include summer vacations, business travel, and unexpected health breaks.

To accommodate this, we allow members to temporarily pause their attendance.

To ensure seamless administrative processing, we simply require an email request sent in advance.

Program attendance may be paused for a minimum of 14 days and up to a maximum duration depending on your specific membership agreement.

We make managing your account simple and straightforward.

If your schedule changes or you need to step away from the mats entirely, you can cancel your membership at any time after fulfilling your baseline agreement terms.

All cancellation requests must be submitted via email directly to our management team with a 30-day written notice.

This standard window allows our billing company and administrative team to process your file, close out your billing loop.

No hidden cancellation fees, no stressful exit interviews – just clear, professional boundaries.

Yes.

University and college students at Evoke take advantage of special rates on select membership options.

We also offer discounts for families on the same billing account.

Please contact to our front desk to learn more.

Sure.

We do our best to offer adult membership options and class packages that accommodate various schedules and budget.

Recognizing that real progress only comes from long term pursuits, we also understand sometimes circumstances hinder long term commitments.

martial arts school toronto

General Questions About Evoke Martial Arts:

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.

At Evoke, we don’t outsource our instructional staff.

We offer a variety of kids and adult programs at Evoke martial arts, and homegrown career instructors assigned to classes.

Evoke also has a roster of black belt assistant instructors and high rank volunteer coaches who sometimes support our main instructor team.

All team members are well-trained, experienced, and embody our core values at Evoke martial arts.

Please navigate to the About page to learn more.

Of course 🙂

We are part of a network of professional studios within the international martial arts community.

Our programs are affiliated with reputable martial arts organizations and governing bodies.

There are so many amazing things we can say about ourselves… but it’s better to give us a try and get to know us better 🙂

Yes. Sparring is integral and important tool in gaining proficient skills in your martial arts training.

However new students are not sparring from the get go.

Our fitness kickboxing and Lil’ Dragons, for example, have zero contact or sparring involved.

Other programs also have separate intermediate and advances martial arts classes for members interested in sparring training.

Click here if you wish to learn more about Evoke’s sparring system.

At the moment, adults train with adults and kids with kids.

We organize our schedule in a way that allows siblings, and families, to make the most of their time to attend classes.

The kids programs are organized by age; with classes running back-to-back or simultaneously on a separate workout floor.

Some of Evoke’s fitness kickboxing classes, for example, are offered at the same time as the kids. This allows parents to also workout while their kids take class.

Not for a while 🙂

It really depends of the individual, their frequency in attendance, and aptitude for retaining and improving in skills.

Keep in mind also that the belt rank system helps teach goal setting and achievement… but it’s not the end-all-be-all in your training.

However at Evoke, regardless of your rank, you can expect to enjoy a comprehensive, fulfilling, and engaging journey along the way.

Not quite.

While we are not a competitive ‘fight gym’ or a dedicated MMA/BJJ school, our core self-defense system – Hapkido – shares deep functional roots with Japanese and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A couple of Evoke’s instructors also happen to hold ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

However, our fundamental self defense curriculum is rooted in Hapkido.

In our classes, you will learn practical, real-world striking, joint locks, takedowns, and ground defense options.

Our approach focuses on functional fitness and personal self-protection rather than competition, making it highly engaging and accessible for the everyday adult athlete.

Click here for an explainer video of Hapkido

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Ready to Train with Toronto’s Most Welcoming
Martial Arts & Kickboxing Coaching Team?

You do not need to be in peak shape or have prior martial arts experience to step onto our mats. Our certified coaches specialize in beginner-friendly instruction tailored entirely to your personal goals. Whether you are looking for an upbeat workout or life-changing youth program for your child, we are ready to guide you every step of the way.

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Amazing Programs that gets you results you can count on.

Amazing Programs that gets you results you can count on.

I’ve been with Evoke a little over 4 months now doing the kickboxing program! Best decision I ever made to go to their trial class! Ever since then I’ve been hooked! Love the environment, the coaches and instructors are amazing and go above and beyond to help us achieve our goals! Highly recommend this place over and over again!

avatarAlenoush Espinosa | Kickboxing member