Business Details
44 Years
experience
Martial Arts Training in Muskoka & Pembroke
Temple Knights Tai Chi-Kung Fu is a traditional and creative martial arts school dedicated to the holistic development of individuals through disciplines like Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, and meditation. Founded in 1982 by Grand Master John Oliver Peel, our academy emphasizes character development, confidence, discipline, and self-defense while integrating healthy living, artistic pursuits, and spirituality. Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with locations in Muskoka and Pembroke, Ontario. We offer classes, seminars, camps, and retreats designed to balance, strengthen, and enlighten participants.Our experienced instructors, including Sifu Valerie Houston-Peel and Sifu Janna Clarke, bring decades of expertise and personalized teaching methods to foster growth in mind, body, and spirit. The academy also hosts specialized programs like Women's Wellness Weekends and corporate training, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. With a philosophy rooted in classical knighthood principles, we aim to cultivate a lifestyle centered on spiritual enlightenment and martial arts mastery.
Services
Kung Fu
Tai Chi Chuan
Chi Kung
Meditation
Seniors Program
Women's Self Defense
Camps
Seminars
Corporate Training
Teacher Certification
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in traditional martial arts instruction.
- Our programs cater to all ages, from children to seniors, with personalized approaches.
- We integrate spiritual growth and wellness into every aspect of training.
- Our instructors hold advanced certifications and decades of teaching expertise.
- We provide immersive retreats and camps in scenic natural environments.
What people say
Improved balance
Increased confidence
Family-friendly
Chronic pain relief
Spiritual growth
Services
Kung Fu
Kung Fu training at Temple Knights develops physical strength, discipline, and self-defense skills while fostering mental focus and spiritual awareness. Our curriculum includes traditional styles like Shaolin and Wing Chun, tailored for all ages and experience levels. Students benefit from personalized instruction and a supportive community environment.
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan classes emphasize slow, flowing movements to enhance balance, flexibility, and inner peace. Instruction covers Yang Style forms, push hands, and meditation techniques, suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners seeking stress relief and physical wellness through mindful practice.
Chi Kung
Chi Kung sessions combine breath control, gentle movements, and meditation to cultivate internal energy and promote holistic health. These practices improve vitality, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, aligning with traditional Chinese medicine principles taught by experienced instructors.
Meditation
Meditation programs focus on developing mental clarity, emotional calm, and spiritual connection through guided sessions and traditional techniques. Students learn to integrate mindfulness into daily life, enhancing focus and resilience through structured practice and personalized feedback.
Camps
Our martial arts camps offer immersive experiences in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and wellness activities for children and adults. Set in scenic Muskoka, programs include obstacle courses, weapon training, and nature-based activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and physical fitness in a supportive environment.
People
John Oliver Peel
Founder
Founder of Temple Knights since 1982, Grand Master John Oliver Peel has over 60 years of martial arts experience across multiple disciplines. He teaches Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan and authored 'Tai Chi Journey', blending spiritual enlightenment with physical training.
Valerie Houston-Peel
Co-Owner
Co-owner and instructor since 1985, Sifu Valerie Houston-Peel specializes in Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung. She integrates Chinese Five Element Health System into her teachings and designs wellness programs for mind-body-spirit balance.
Janna Clarke
Sifu
Sifu Janna Clarke, certified since 2016, teaches Tai Chi and Kung Fu in Pembroke. She combines martial arts with nutritional advising and acupressure studies, offering holistic wellness programs and retreats for community growth.
Richard Cowley
Instructor
Richard Cowley, a certified Tai Chi instructor since 2012, assists with children's Kung Fu programs. He transitioned from heating technician to martial arts teacher, emphasizing the transformative benefits of regular practice for all ages.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Kung Fu (Shaolin, Wing Chun), Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Kenjitsu, Ninjutsu, and more, following traditional and adaptive methods.
Are classes available for children?
Yes, we offer Kung Fu for Kids programs focusing on discipline, confidence-building, and foundational martial arts skills in a fun, engaging environment.
Do you offer retreats or special programs?
We host Women's Wellness Weekends, martial arts camps, and seasonal retreats in Muskoka, combining training with nature immersion and spiritual growth.
Can I train privately or in groups?
Both options are available. We offer group classes, private lessons, and corporate training tailored to individual goals and schedules.
What are your locations?
Our main campus is in Muskoka near Bracebridge, Ontario, with additional programs in Pembroke and outreach classes in surrounding areas.
Reviews (1)
Kim Rodak
Jun 23, 2017
Report
Valerie and John were amazing to deal with.
Valerie was prompt and professional, taking the time to answer questions.
Sigung John came out to our rented cabin where we were taking some time for team building. John gave us excellent instruction, encouragement and skills for the real world. Everyone loved having John out and we all came away feeling a lot more confident in our ability to defend ourselves. The Temple Knights went above and beyond for us and I cannot thank them enough. I will recommend them to anyone and everyone.
Valerie was prompt and professional, taking the time to answer questions.
Sigung John came out to our rented cabin where we were taking some time for team building. John gave us excellent instruction, encouragement and skills for the real world. Everyone loved having John out and we all came away feeling a lot more confident in our ability to defend ourselves. The Temple Knights went above and beyond for us and I cannot thank them enough. I will recommend them to anyone and everyone.