Business Details
32 Years
experience
Award-Winning Martial Arts Training in Orangeville, Ontario
Founded in 1994, Johanis's Karate School has been Orangeville's premier destination for traditional martial arts training. Our programs emphasize the Five Black Belt PrinciplesHonesty, Courtesy, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, and a Positive Attitudeto cultivate lifelong skills in students aged 3 to 83. Under the leadership of Kyoshi John and Sifu Elyse, we combine over 25 years of competitive and instructional experience to deliver a curriculum that prioritizes self-defense, confidence-building, and functional fitness. Our SAFE (Simple Assertive Fast Effective) approach and CARE program (Children Act Responsibly Everywhere) are nationally recognized, empowering students to navigate challenges with resilience and integrity.We offer age-specific classes including Little Ninjas, Kinder Karate, Junior Karate, and Teen Karate, alongside adult programs like Tai Chi. Our award-winning school has earned multiple CKKA Appreciation Awards and the Chong Cup Championship, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We foster independence through structured drop-off practices and provide a vibrant community space for birthday parties, camps, and social events. With a focus on mental, physical, and social development, we prepare students to achieve black belt goals and apply martial arts principles to everyday life. Our studio's central location at 109 Broadway offers a bright, welcoming environment designed to inspire growth and connection.
Services
Little Ninjas
Kinder Karate
Junior Karate
Teen Karate
Kobudo
Personal Training
Self-Defense
Birthday Parties
March Break Camps
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined competitive and instructional experience.
- Our SAFE and CARE programs teach practical self-defense and responsibility.
- Nationally recognized curriculum with proven black belt achievement results.
- Age-specific classes from toddler to senior martial arts training available.
- Award-winning school with multiple CKKA Championships and Appreciation Awards.
What people say
Life skills development
Experienced instructors
Fun environment
Confidence-building
Award-winning programs
Services
Little Ninjas
Our Little Ninjas program introduces children aged 3-4 to foundational martial arts skills. Through playful activities and structured lessons, students develop coordination, focus, and early discipline while learning basic self-defense techniques. This class establishes the Five Black Belt Principles through engaging, age-appropriate instruction.
Self-Defense
Our SAFE (Simple Assertive Fast Effective) self-defense system teaches practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Students learn verbal de-escalation strategies alongside physical defense methods, building confidence to handle conflicts responsibly. The CARE program (Children Act Responsibly Everywhere) integrates safety awareness into daily life situations.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps combine martial arts training with character development activities. Participants engage in skill-building exercises, team challenges, and leadership workshops while practicing the Five Black Belt Principles. These programs reinforce discipline and confidence through structured, fun-filled days focused on personal growth.
Kobudo
Kobudo instruction teaches traditional Okinawan weapon techniques as part of our advanced curriculum. Students develop precision and control through practice with bo staffs, nunchaku, and other traditional tools. This discipline enhances coordination while deepening understanding of martial arts history and philosophy.
Birthday Parties
We offer themed martial arts birthday parties featuring customized training activities and games. Children enjoy interactive experiences that promote teamwork and confidence while celebrating special occasions. Parties include structured instruction, games, and a special belt ceremony to create memorable celebrations.
People
John Johanis
Kyoshi
Kyoshi John, a retired Sport Karate competitor, co-founded Johanis's Karate School in 1994. He has received multiple CKKA awards including the Chong Memorial Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. With over 25 years of teaching experience, he develops innovative curricula while maintaining traditional Kempo Karate principles.
Elyse Johanis
Sifu
Sifu Elyse transitioned her social work background into martial arts education at Johanis's Karate School. She developed the award-winning Black Belt Parenting workshop and CARE program. Recognized with the Humberto Medeiros Memorial Award, she brings 25+ years of experience teaching life skills through martial arts to students of all ages.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer for children?
We offer Little Ninjas (ages 3-4), Kinder Karate (5-6), Junior Karate (7-12), and Teen Karate programs focusing on life skills through martial arts training.
Do you have adult martial arts classes available?
Yes, we provide adult karate classes and Tai Chi programs for all skill levels focusing on fitness, self-defense, and personal development.
How long has Johanis Karate School been operating?
We've been serving Orangeville since 1994, offering traditional martial arts training with modern life skills applications.
What self-defense techniques do you teach?
Our SAFE (Simple Assertive Fast Effective) system teaches practical self-defense techniques combined with verbal de-escalation strategies for real-world situations.
Can I host a birthday party at your facility?
Yes, we host themed martial arts birthday parties with customized training activities, games, and special belt ceremonies for memorable celebrations.
What are your summer camp offerings?
Our summer camps combine martial arts training with character development through skill-building exercises, team challenges, and leadership workshops focused on personal growth.
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