Leaders in the field of martial arts education & personal development for more than three decades. At 10 locations in the GTA, children enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of NKS’ programs. Tel: Location dependent
Ages: 3 years & up
Address: Multiple locations in Toronto- Midtown and North York, and York Region
If you make an inquiry, please mention that you saw this listing on the Melanie On-The-Go / Kids On-The-Go website. Thank you!
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Share your thoughts below with other parents, caregivers and management. Only the rating and your child's age are mandatory, the rest is up to you!
Activities We Did:
One on one karate start up lessons. I wanted to introduce my daughter to martial arts and on research, found many schools starting at age 3 or 4. My main reasoning was for some focus, discipline, fun and positive energy outlets.
Good to Go!:
My daughter received a white karate uniform (she was drowning in it so I’ve taken it to be altered) and started her first lesson with a teacher, Vince. She surprisingly really seemed to enjoy it. She tried to follow, focus and was taking direction relatively well. It went way better than I expected, after all, she’s not quite 3 yet.The class was half an hour and that’s enough at her age.The second lesson was with a different teacher and went well too. They are very patient and make it fun.However, they also don’t allow too much goofing off and bring the focus back to the task at hand. I found the experience was positive and fun. i signed Maya up and received a “discounted” rate that I am sure they give to most parents. Since she is young, I negotiated 8 months instead of 6 and an out clause after 3 months if she doesn’t want to continue.I did run into a few moms I knew and asked about the program. They all raved about it. For a set price you can attend as many classes as you like and they offer private instruction if your child is struggling at no extra cost. You don’t have to attend at a set schedule but can come whichever days work for you week to week. I love that as we are quite busy and travel in the summer. Also, kids in preschool get sick and miss classes right? For the same price of any other class in town like Gymboree, music or dance, and less than some like art, you get unlimited martial arts instruction, a flexible schedule,private instruction, free bottled water free karate gi and most importantly your child gets self esteem, exercise, fun and discipline – we hope.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
The place is very crowded and there isn’t much place to sit or even observe. There is one small private lesson room and a larger classroom. The studio was packed to the gills when we were there and felt a bit claustrophobic. I think this attests to its popularity though and it has excellent reviews online and good word of mouth. Parents may balk at the price.
Quick Tips for Others:
Remember paying all at once gives you a discount, don’t be afraid to negotiate, remember to mention if you go away at all such as in summer and ask that month to be added on and think of the value of unlimited classes, flexibility and private lessons. If you are afraid to take the chance since they do kind of push you to “join today” like all gyms, you can always cancel without penalty within 10 days by law.
Call around if you like and compare to other studios. One word of advice though, most I called wouldn’t give me any info over the phone and insisted I bring Maya in first for a trial class and then they would let me know “if” she would be allowed in to their school and the prices would be discussed then. Northern karate was the only place upfront on the phone about cost.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 3.5/5
- Value: 4/5