ABOUT US

      In 2004, John and Elyse decided to take Johanis’ Karate School in a new direction. Elyse was eager to transition her social work experience into a progressive Martial Arts School. John, retired from Sport Karate Competition, was ready to infuse his desire and passion into an updated curriculum to their style of Kempo Karate. 

      Although Johanis’ Karate School continues to respect century old Martial Arts tradition, John and Elyse are a dynamic duo that consistently seek new and innovative ways to enthuse and excite their students.

       Johanis’ Karate School (JKS) is a traditional martial arts school that understands a true martial artist is not born from just learning to kick and punch but from striving to become a better person in mind, body and spirit. The mental, physical and social components of the JKS system empower our students to achieve their goals, with the minimum martial arts goal being black belt. 

      JKS’ training is rooted in the Five Black Belt Principles: Honesty, Courtesy, Self-Discipline, Perseverance and a Positive Attitude, principles that carry into everyday life. Self defence is a key component of the JKS system because we know that learning how to keep yourself safe, whether on the street or on the playground, builds the confidence to help our students navigate difficult situations. We are peaceful warriors but also know how to neutralize aggression both verbally and physically.

       We like to say that we take what we do seriously. Learning to defend ourselves is serious business. We just don’t take ourselves too seriously. We like to have fun, we play games, we have mat chats, and an overall good time with our students. This keeps them interested and keen to learn.

      We, at JKS, provide an environment designed to help children develop independence and skills applicable to their daily lives.  Learning they can do things on their own -– sometimes even hard things -- builds the resilience that is so needed when it comes to their future physical and mental well-being.

      Dropping your child off is a win-win. You get some time for yourself, and your child has the time to learn first and then to demonstrate their learning later, when they’re ready. It’s so fun for them to show you their new skills and new belt achievements.

      We understand that sometimes a child may need their hand held a little when trying something new; in which case, you are welcome to help settle them in. But, when they’re more comfortable, we encourage you to say, “Bye-bye for now, I’ll be back” and leave, just as you would at a daycare or with a babysitter.

2008: Johanis’ Karate School won the Reader’s Choice Award.

2009: Elyse received her black belt from Hanshi John Atkinson

2009-2018: Johanis’ Karate School won the CKKA (Canadian Karate Kung Fu Association) Appreciation Award for “dedication and contribution to the development and continued growth of the CKKA”

2011: Johanis’ Karate School is declared “Top Martial Arts School” from the Education Funding Company, an association with schools in USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

2012: John was awarded with the “Humberto Medeiros Memorial Award” an award given by the CKKA for “tenacity, fighting spirit and year of dedication to the continued growth of the CKKA”.

2013: Elyse developed a workshop named “Black Belt Parenting”. It was accepted by the CKKA and was taught at their annual gathering.

2014: Elyse was ordered by the Black Belt Institute to change her rank from Sensei to Sifu.

2014: John was awarded the “Chong Memorial Award”, the highest honours in the CKKA given in appreciation for years of dedication and contribution to the development and continued growth of the CKKA through the teachings of Grand Masters D.M. Chong and D.S. Chong.

2015: Johanis’ Karate Schools won the Championship “Chong Cup” at the annual CKKA Karate Tournament.

2015: Johanis’ Karate Schools won CKKA Appreciation Award.

2016: Johanis’ Karate Schools won the Championship “Chong Cup” at the annual CKKA Karate Tournament.

2017: Sifu Elyse was awarded the “Humberto Medeiros Memorial Award” by the CKKA, becoming the second woman in history to receive such a prestigious award.

2017: Johanis’ Karate Schools won the Championship “Chong Cup” at the annual CKKA Karate Tournament.

2017: Johanis’ Karate School won the downtown Orangeville’s BIA “Harvest Celebration Scarecrow” competition with ALAS Dufferin.

2017: Reader’s Choice Award.

2018: Johanis’ Karate School retired the Championship “Chong Cup” at the annual CKKA gathering, to incite and inspire new Martial Arts Schools within their association.

2018: John remains the current Vice-President of the Black Belt Institute.

2025: Kyoshi John and Sifu Elyse were awarded the "Ron Day Memorial Award" by the CKKA for building youth for the future of Martial Arts,

2025: Kyoshi John awarded the CKKA Lifetime Achievement Award.