Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Karate School in Whitby, Ontario
Founded in 2000 by Sensei Ed Docherty, ICKF Karate School has dedicated itself to teaching world-class Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. Our mission is to inspire individuals through martial arts, offering comprehensive programs that emphasize self-discipline, physical fitness, and personal growth. With classes for ages 4 to 70, we provide a structured yet engaging environment where students develop confidence, self-defense skills, and a sense of community. Our curriculum balances traditional techniques like kihon, kata, and kumite with modern training methods, ensuring a well-rounded martial arts experience. Over 25 years, we've built a reputation for excellence, producing award-winning competitors and fostering a supportive dojo culture.Our instructors, including internationally recognized leaders, bring decades of expertise to every class. We prioritize safety, proper etiquette, and individual progress, making karate accessible to all skill levels. Located in Whitby, Ontario, we serve local communities while maintaining global affiliations through Karate Canada and the World Karate Federation. Our students consistently achieve regional, national, and international recognition, reflecting our commitment to quality instruction. Whether pursuing martial arts for fitness, competition, or personal development, our school provides the tools for success.
Services
Pee Wee Program
Children's Program
Adult Program
Competition Team
Parent & Pee Wee
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience teaching Chito-Ryu Karate-Do with proven results.
- Our certified instructors include 8th Dan Hanshi Ed Docherty, an international competition champion.
- We provide age-specific programs for children (4+), teens, and adults with unlimited class options.
- Our students have earned 22 Ontario Karate Championships and multiple international accolades.
- We maintain global affiliations while fostering a supportive, community-focused dojo environment.
Associations and certifications
- Karate Canada
- World Karate Federation
What people say
Excellent karate program
Second to none atmosphere
Increased focus
High caliber teaching
Family/community feeling
Services
Pee Wee Program
Our Pee Wee Program introduces children aged 4-6 to fundamental karate concepts through structured play. Students develop motor skills, confidence, and respect while learning basic techniques. The class emphasizes fun, safety, and proper etiquette, creating a strong foundation for future martial arts training.
Children's Program
Designed for ages 7-12, this high-energy program teaches kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) in a disciplined environment. Students build self-confidence, physical fitness, and self-defense skills while progressing through belt ranks. Unlimited classes allow flexible training schedules for young martial artists.
Adult Program
Our Adult Program accommodates all experience levels, focusing on self-defense, physical conditioning, and martial arts mastery. Participants develop practical skills while improving fitness and stress management. The balanced mix of men and women creates a supportive atmosphere for learning traditional Chito-Ryu techniques.
Competition Team
Team ICKF offers specialized training for competitive karate athletes. Members receive advanced instruction in kata, kumite, and Bogu sparring. The program develops tactical thinking, mental preparation, and physical conditioning, preparing students for regional, national, and international tournaments in multiple competition formats.
Parent & Pee Wee
This unique program allows parents to train alongside their 4-6 year old children in weekly Wednesday classes. Participants learn karate fundamentals together, strengthening family bonds while developing physical skills. The interactive format promotes parent-child cooperation and shared martial arts experiences.
People
Ed Docherty
Chief Instructor
8th Dan Hanshi Ed Docherty founded ICKF Karate School in 2000 after 35+ years of martial arts practice. A Whitby Sports Hall of Fame inductee and multiple international champion, he brings elite-level expertise to every class while maintaining a welcoming teaching style for all ages.
Questions
What karate styles do you teach?
We specialize in Chito-Ryu Karate-Do, founded by Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose. Our curriculum includes traditional elements like kata, kihon, and multiple sparring formats.
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for ages 4+ including Pee Wee (4-6), Children (7-12), and Adult classes. Family participation is encouraged through our Parent & Pee Wee program.
Do you offer competition training?
Yes, Team ICKF provides high-performance training in kata, kumite, and Bogu sparring. Our students compete regionally, nationally, and internationally with proven success.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Chief Instructor Ed Docherty holds 8th Dan Hanshi rank and has trained since 1985. Our team includes certified assistants with decades of combined competition and teaching experience.
How often can students train?
Unlimited class options are available with sessions Monday-Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Schedules accommodate both casual participants and serious competitors.
Reviews (5)
Chris Regan
Dec 10, 2019
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Sensei Docherty is the best. Real gentleman who pays close attention to every student. Well worth it ...top of the line!
Pablo Martin Ibanez
Oct 27, 2019
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Sensai Ed is a great teacher who prides himself on tradition. Lots of patience with the peewees he came highly recommended.
Jason McEachern
Jun 15, 2018
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Ed is passionate about his craft. I'm excited to see some of that passion and discipline spill over to my son.
Jason Fleischmann
Dec 02, 2017
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Ed is a good teacher, lots of champions under his roof he has trained. Let's the early years students play related games to improve their skills with fun while learning. The older classes are very much geared to training champions.
Cameron Rodriguez
Aug 10, 2016
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Amazing dojo! The teacher is very experienced, and everyone is helpful and friendly. Also a good place to train if you're interested in competing.
