Sensei Susan

What does it feel like to hit with real power? 💥

To feel the impact on the pads. Learn what to do when someone grabs you. Step into sparring. Find your balance, your timing, your focus.

And somewhere in the training, realize: I can do this.

🥋 Isshinryu Karate | Youth, Teens & Adults | Beginners welcome
Fall classes begin September 9.

Come experience it for yourself.


Chondon Photography

First, they learn to hit the pad. 💥 Then they discover what they’re capable of.

Throw their first punch. Find their balance. Escape a grab. Learn a kata. Focus through a challenge. Keep going when something takes practice.

Real karate skills. Real challenges. And plenty of opportunities to grow.

🥋 Isshinryu Karate | Ages 4+ | All levels
Fall classes begin September 9.

The skills are just the beginning.

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: Sempai LUCAS

Ten years of karate, a black belt, Hall of Fame recognition, award-winning academics, piano, golf and pickleball. Lucas has range. 😄

His favourite kata is Sunsu, and what he enjoys most about helping at Toshikai is seeing students improve over time. He’s patient and steady with our younger karateka, quietly encouraging them while giving them the space to learn.

His advice? Stay consistent with your training.

That pretty much sums up Lucas.

We’ve watched him grow from a young student into a skilled black belt who carries himself with maturity, treats people well and takes pride in what he does.

Lucas brings a calm confidence to the dojo-and we’re pretty lucky to have him on our team. 🥋

Matsuri! 🥋🇯🇵 A great day performing with Sensei John and Nolan, showcasing Isshinryu Karate and celebrating Japanese culture with our community. Always fun to share what we love. #isshinryu #tbay #matsuri

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: SENSEI SUSAN

Sensei Susan started running her own dojo at 17-and she’s been curious about where karate might take her ever since.

One thing led to another.

She’s a 7th Degree Black Belt who has trained in Okinawa, taught internationally, and competed along the way. In 2023, she became the first Canadian female inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.

She’s also an author and university educator, teaching future teachers.

Favourite kata? Sunsu and Hamahiga.

Her mission? Keep learning. Take on challenges. See what you’re capable of. And encourage others on their own path.

Also in the mix? Deadlifting something heavy, travelling somewhere new, and recovering on an infrared mat.

What’s next? Stay close. You might get recruited. 😏🥋

🥋 MEET THE TEAM | SENSEI ANNA

Sensei Anna started karate as an adult. Fifteen years later, she’s a 3rd Degree Black Belt, instructor, and knows firsthand how empowering martial arts can be.

An elementary school teacher, Anna brings that teacher’s instinct to the dojo-and karate has taught her one thing above all: discipline.

Her favourite kata is Seisan, and when she needs a little extra power-especially in sparring-she calls on “Luigi,” the fighting spirit she gets from her dad, a tough guy who loved to box. 👊

Her advice? “Progress, not perfection.” Words once given to Anna that she now passes on.

Adult beginner to Sandan. Fifteen years of progress-and Luigi is still in her corner.

🥋 MEET THE TEAM | Sempai Evelyn

Eight years of karate, a standout in kumite (sparring), and already earning international recognition. Evelyn also represents Toshikai at demonstrations and workshops for community groups.

She was named Outstanding Young Karateka at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Isshinryu Hall of Fame , recognizing the commitment and skill she brings to her karate.

Her favourite kata is Naihanchi, and karate has taught her patience-and that fighting isn’t always the answer. When helping with classes, she enjoys learning from the instructors and developing her own skills as a leader.

Her advice to younger students? “Never be afraid to ask for help.”

Evelyn is also a swimmer and piano player, and her word for Toshikai is supportive-a place where people show up for each other, whether it’s a belt test, a performance, or something else that matters.

“It’s a really great community and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Standout competitor. Emerging leader. A great part of the Toshikai team. 🥋

🥋 MEET THE TEAM | SENSEI JEFF

29 years of karate. A 5th Degree Black Belt. And his advice for younger students? Listen to Sensei John.

Sensei Jeff trains at Chitora Dojo and also helps out at Toshikai. His favourite kata is Seiunchin, and one of karate’s biggest lessons has been learning how to lose:

“Training is more fun when you can laugh at yourself and celebrate others’ successes.”

Outside karate, Jeff trains in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and recently started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His one word for Toshikai? Fun.

Experienced, skilled and always willing to jump in-we appreciate having Sensei Jeff on the floor.

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: SEMPAI CARSON

Carson has been training in karate for 10 years, and self-defence is one of his strengths.

Growing up with an accomplished martial artist for a dad meant grappling, sparring, and tactical self-defence started young-and Carson has developed some serious skills of his own.

Now he brings that experience to the dojo, assisting with classes and teaching the next generation the importance of knowing how to defend themselves.

His favourite kata is Naihanchi, and karate has taught him patience-which probably comes in handy with his other passion: building motors. 🔧

Skilled on the mats. Good under pressure. Just as interested in what’s happening under the hood.

🥋 Meet the Team: Sempai Hannah

Almost 10 years of karate-and Sempai Hannah has already made her mark, including recognition from the Isshinryu Hall of Fame for her contributions as a young karateka.

An excellent tournament competitor, Hannah teaches in our dojo and represents Toshikai through presentations for schools and community groups. Her favourite part? Seeing the progression and commitment of our students.

Karate has taught her control, commitment, and how to find power within herself she didn’t know she had.

Then there are the horses. 🐴 Hannah rides, trains, competes-and teaches riding lessons too.

Her advice:
“Don’t compare yourself to where others are in their journey. This is your own unique journey-live in it.”

Karate competitor. Equestrian competitor. Teacher in both. Sempai Hannah sets the bar high.