The origins of karate-do go back to the sixth century when the Indian monk Daruma traveled to China, bringing with him an art that comprised both meditation and physical training.

This system was similar in many ways to yoga with its emphasis on breathing, proper posture and self-control, but it was far more dynamic physically. In addition it incorporated self-defense elements.

The philosophy and technique of karate-do continued to develop in Japan and Okinawa, as well as in China. "Karate techniques should be perfected and applied according to the basic principles of the Universe and Nature," wrote one karate master at the end of the 19th century.

In both the Orient and the Western world, authentic karate-do is a living art that follows these principles. The Toronto Academy of Karate is proud to continue this tradition and to be in the forefront of the modern development of the art.

Parents today think a lot about the health and well-being of their children. They want their sons and daughters to be responsible, self-disciplined, strong and proud. Too often, however, they see their children influenced in negative ways by their peers, or becoming prey to school bullies, or sitting in front of the television getting soft and out-of-shape. The Toronto Academy offers a careful balance of challenge and fun in a safe, non-violent environment. Martial arts develop at an early age lifelong skills in children of fitness, health, strength, discipline, concentration, and confidence.

How can one measure the success of these classes? Parents report that karate has taught their children to sit straight and stand tall. Young people acquire agility, strength and coordination. They develop confidence and self-discipline that they carry to school and through life. All this is clearly confirmed in a University of Toronto study on Toronto Academy of Karate students published in Canada's Mental Health (December 1984) and reprinted many times. Further research was conducted on Toronto Academy of Karate students in a study sponsored by the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto and published in 1995 in the United States scholarly magazine: Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Amongst other findings were enhancements in health, school performance and feelings of confidence and empowerment as well as a greater ability to relate to others.

From Girl Power: Self-Defense for Teens by Burt Konzak, Sonya Konzak, and Mélina Konzak. © 1999 Burt Konzak. Sport Books Publisher.

But most of all, young people love the training and stay to become advanced belts. They make rapid progress in the art under enthusiastic and caring instruction, and both students and their parents take pride in their development. In fact, many parents are so pleased that they too join the dojo and train alongside their sons and daughters.