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.
About our School
We know that a true martial artist is not born from just learning to kick and punch, but from striving to become a better person in every way of life. Our training is rooted in the Five Black Belt Principles: Honesty, Courtesy, Self-Discipline, Perseverance and a Positive Attitude. These are principles we carry with us into everyday life. Johanis’ Karate School is a goal setting school and the minimum goal is black belt. It is our job to empower our students to achieve their goals. Self-defence is a key component of the Johanis’ Karate School system. We are S.A.F.E. and we C.A.R.E. Our mission is to support our students to remain on a “Quest to be their BEST”.
School Awards and Recognition
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 Canadian Karate Kung Fu Association (CKKA) 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 Mederios 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.