The Story Behind Midtown Toronto’s Leading Martial Arts Sanctuary

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!

I am liking doing the Adult Hapkido class and I have learned so much from the instructors and I feel like I am not only taking a class but that I am part of a family and I highly recommend taking a class. 🤳👍👐🥋

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!

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!

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!

Evoke is amazing. The personnel is always very friendly and helpful! I would totally recommend it for anyone who would like to try martial arts classes!

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 🥰😊

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 kickboxing for about 8 months at THA. I LOVE it. Great community, great instructors, and I've lost weight. First workout regime I actually enjoy doing. I have had zero previous martial arts training, mostly working out at regular gyms. The first while is tough, but you get into the swing of things, and feel yourself improving. Great group of people, total range of ages and fitness abilities.

My almost 9 yo had such a great time at Evoke summer camp in August. They were good at keeping kids busy and my kid was so excited to show us new martial arts skills everyday. Drop off and pick up were also very smooth and efficient, and all staffs were professional and welcoming. We Will definitely come back next summer.

I've been taking the kickboxing fitness classes for 3 months. Tess is an amazing coach, and the classmates are incredibly supportive and friendly. This place feels more like a family than a gym.

I had been here for 3 years. I find many new friend. I am a girl this class made me gain my confident. Also, this class help me to focus and I really enjoy to doing kickboxing. In addition I lost weight in this class, and this community welcome to everyone, which made me feel like home. I am thankful to this class that help me in my life.

Very complete martial art curriculum. Dedicated and friendly coaches. Plus care for integral education to our kids, like a family.

My son has been with Hapkido for about 5 years. He started as a Little Dragon and now he is in the kids class. It's been a great experience for my son as he has developed to be confident and more focus. The instructors are awesome and they continue to bring excitement in every class.

My child attended a week of summer camp and was excited to go every morning. Everyone was very kind and friendly. Highly recommend this facility and its staff!

My daughter enjoyed the summer camp a lot. I was also very surprised by how professional and kind the staff were. It was an amazing experience.

Great community, friendly staff and professional instructors. My son has started Lil dragon program since June and he loves it!

I restarted my journey of Martial Arts with Evoke this spring. It’s one of the best places in Toronto for learning a variety of Martial Arts. The coaches teach authentic practices and I just love going there.

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

This kickboxing class is definitely tough and sweaty but worth it when you're surrounded with people who support you and motivate you to push yourself harder. At the end of the class you'll leave with great pride and satisfaction!!

As a beginner to Muay Thai, I love the friendly & encouraging atmosphere at Evoke! Classes are fun & the instructors are amazing. Highly recommend for anyone starting their martial arts journey!

I spent the summer training muay thai at Evoke Martial Arts in Toronto. During my time here, I was thrilled to be part of such a vibrant, supportive, and welcoming community, full of instructors and students who consistently uplift one another and who instantly made me feel right at home. Each class, I got plenty of training time and one-on-one instruction, a concrete understanding of the fundamentals of muay thai, and a killer workout. The studio is clean and well-kept, the music played during class is awesome, and the instructors are some of the most motivating and encouraging people I have ever met. The sense of community at Evoke Martial Arts unforgettable- I never left a single class without a smile, and can’t wait to come back to continue training muay thai in Toronto. Thanks, Evoke!

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.

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.

I signed up 2 weeks karate camp for my daughter, she really enjoyed the time there, the staffs are friendly and fun, highly recommended.