About Us
York Academy of Martial Arts
The York Academy of Martial Arts is a family owned and operated school of Traditional Martial Arts run by dedicated and trained professionals. Our goal is to help people improve their fitness, confidence and their ability to effectively protect themselves through training in the Martial Arts. Since 1990 we have been consistently voted #1 by the York Guardian and remain THE Martial Arts school to come to in Toronto’s Dufferin and Eglinton west area.
At our school you will find a positive and friendly group of people doing their best to improve themselves through training in the many aspects of Karate including basic techniques, Kata or forms, and kumite or sparring. As our program emphasizes practical self-defense, we also help students to deal with striking, kicking, blocking, as well as clinch fighting, throws, take-downs and grappling.
Being a traditional school you will not find any colored uniforms, children’s black belts or high-pressured sales tactics that are present at more ‘commercial’ clubs, nor any of the loud music, over-competitive attitudes or dingy facilities of the ‘underground’ clubs. What you will find is world-class training, in a great facility, at a reasonable price.
Our Results in Numbers
Great results demand action. If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting the rest of your life.
Staff
Meet Our Instructors
Richard Verlaan: 7th dan Renshi
A self-confessed lifelong learner of Okinawan Goju Ryu with the Jundokan organization in Naha, Okinawa, who has a degree in philosophy from the University of Waterloo, and a level 3 NCCP certification, Mr.Verlaan is an engaging and knowledgeable instructor with an infectious passion for both the physical and philosophical elements of the Martial Arts.
Caroline Leblanc-Verlaan: 4th dan Sensei
Always positive and eager to share her vast experience, Caroline has been a core fixture in the dojo since its first year. Known as much for her kindness as her killer ab workouts, Caroline is a prime example of the life-long health and well-being benefits available through our program.
