I have been taking classes at InStudio since it opened in September and so far it has exceeded my…read moreexpectations! Offering a range of 1 hour classes such as pilates, zumba, latin dancing, and beginners ballet I opted to sign up for 2 dancefit classes: Dancefit Barre and Dancefit Cardio which are both instructed by Kate Kernaghan. Kate is an incredibly enthusiastic and talented instructor. She is very good at teaching beginners like myself dance choreography and fitness techniques and she also does an excellent job in challenging her students every class. Dancefit Barre classes are a combination of pilates inspired floor exercises as well as ballet based barre exercises that help strengthen and lengthen the lower body. This class requires the use of weights which I find helps in the development of arm strength. We also do exercises using the barre which helps improve balance and posture and gives your leg muscles a good work out. Note: yoga/pilates mats are available for use for dancefit barre classes. Dancefit Cardio is an intense sweat producing workout that really gets your heart rate up! Kate does a great job in using a wide range of dance moves that targets different areas of your body. I really enjoy this class a lot as I find it is a great way to burn off those calories I consumed the night before. Great song selection and easy to follow choreography. I would recommend this class for beginners and those who are looking for a fun cardio workout! Overall, I think this studio is a great find. It offers class packages at $150 for 10 classes, $80 for 5, or $280 for 20 classes which I think is an excellent price especially in comparison to other fitness studios that offer similar classes in the downtown core area. I like that the studio is easily accessible by TTC and that the classes are held on weeknights and weekend mornings which is convenient for my work schedule. I would definitely recommend this studio for those who live near the area and are looking for a good fitness class!

InStudio has stepped up its game since it started back in September 2013. I've been with InStudio…read moreliterally since day one of the program and I'm still here taking classes consistently. I feel like Kate, my main instructor, has nursed my journey in ballet. Two biggest reasons as to why I highly recommend InStudio and will continue to stick with them: 1. It's become more affordable AND convenient for post-secondary students! They introduced a student rate of $13 per single drop in spring 2014. Then in January this year they made student class bundles available to purchase in advance (in person only)--no longer do I need to spend extra time at the register to pay each time I want to take a class or feel guilty for not going to at least one class a week because of my lack of self-discipline. I understand that not everyone can take advantage of the offer but for me it's my biggest incentive to keep going there instead of other studios that don't have a student rate. I attended one term at NBS but ultimately couldn't keep going because $370 a term is just too much for me to shell out (don't be mistaken, NBS is top notch). 2. More classes, more levels = more flexibility. There used to be one Beginner Ballet, then two, then levels adjusted and a higher Beginner II came to birth, then another one. You get my drift. Within a year time their client base rose and they adapted to the demands. They even introduced a beginner pointe workshop this year, however my concern is that *anyone* can sign up for the workshop even if they have no dance experience. Hm, shouldn't there be an assessment to allow students to go on pointe? That aside, if you're an adult looking for beginner pointe options, InStudio's got you covered. Adult beginner pointe classes are almost non-existent in the city. ---- Based on my experience with Kate and Jonathan, I can say that the quality and style of teaching still hold true to my first review: accommodating, reassuring, thorough. It's challenging but lots of fun. I've already brought 3 friends to try Beginner Ballet I, none of them have any dance background but they all enjoyed their experience. Since classes are held at the rehearsal spaces of the National Ballet of Canada, studios are without a doubt spacious, bright, and fully equipped. I believe the only ballet classes that don't have a live accompanist are during daytime due to lower attendance. Speaking of attendance, I wish they'd cap it off at a certain number! There's been more people coming to my regular Saturday Beginner Ballet II, and that's fine with me as long as that everyone has enough space to stand and move about. I recall one particular day it was so packed that I couldn't even do a proper jeté at the barre or a ports de bra in the centre without fearing that I'll kick someone or intrude into their space. So there you have it, 4 stars to InStudio for its accommodation, flexibility, and bonus affordability for poor students like me but 1 star off for overcrowded classes and the no-no of not assessing students' readiness for pointe.

Mu Mon Kai Iaido dojo is the best place to learn Iaido in Toronto. It has the most high ranking…read moreinstructors in the whole of Canada. Ohmi Sensei (7th Dan Renshi Iaido, 6th Dan Kendo) is the head of the dojo. He is very well known in Iaido and Kendo circles in Canada, and often travels to other schools in Canada and the USA to teach. Carole Sensei runs the dojo. She is 6th Dan, and has had the privilege to train under Haruna Sensei, Kim Taylor and Ohmi Sensei. The school is affiliated to the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) and the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF.) Training follows guidelines from Japan, updated yearly by visits from top ranking Iaido officials from Japan. The style taught is Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Zen Ken Ren Iaido. Classes are held in the fantastic dojos provides by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre with the help of the Japanese Consulate. Highly recommended if you are interested in authentic, traditional Iaido.

My daughter heard about a free class being offered here for Women's Day and we went down to check…read moreit out. It was awesome! This organization has been offering medieval sword instruction for 27 years. They have been at this location for about 6 months. Once you find the building tucked away on windy Symes Rd, you'll need to head upstairs to their studio, which holds about 16 people per class. It's super cool, with lots of windows, and equipment and decor. The coats of arms are created by students who have passed first rank. The average time to achieve this level is about 18 months to 2 years. When you've achieved that, you can design your personal coat of arms which you then paint on a wooden shield to be displayed. One of the instructors is well versed in heraldry and checks the designs to make sure no rules are broken before the design is painted onto your shield. For example, red and blue can't be touching each other directly. Who knew? There are also medieval banners and paintings with medieval Italian script. The atmosphere is super conducive to the lessons. The 2 hour intake class started with the wooden daggers, and then progressed to full sized light metal swords. All the many swords are true to life imitations of the real predecessors. If you're left handed, you will still have to learn right handed combat. Given that people were forced to use the right hand in medieval times, it didn't seem right to argue. (Besides, they're the ones who know how to use those swords.) Because this was an introductory class with no wrestling or intense contact, the helmets, greaves, and gloves weren't used. There is a private washroom in the unit, and a kitchenette stocked with various beverages. The mood is also set with medieval music. You can try an introductory intake class for $20. If you decide you want to sign up, the intake class counts towards your experience. It's $120 for a month of as many classes as you want. Thank you Carol and Leanders for a great experience. Not to be dramatic but the positive energy made my day. It was wonderful to see people sharing what they love to do. It's a unique and uplifting activity. Highly recommend a try.

I don't usually write reviews for anything but Leo Wongs Tae Kwon Do and Krav Maga is honestly the…read morebest martial arts/real-life self-defence school in Canada. I come from an immigration/security/law enforcement background and have lots of training in use of force as well as some martial arts. Before joining this gym I thought I had nothing to learn. Raymond showed me I know nothing. He has a no-nonsense way of training using real-life scenarios as well as demonstrates amazing skill and teaching ability. Even though it is a group class Raymond makes sure he spends time with each student working on his or her skillset. From day one they made us feel safe after we saw all the safety precautions in place for the safety of students. All equipment is clean and ready to use. The training facility is very clean and organized. There is lots of new equipment available for each student at no cost. I would recommend them to all my friends, male, female or even children. Each class is created for its intended, student. Last but on least I have lost 15 pounds in 2 months of training twice a week. Raymond motivates and inspires you to push yourself. Thank you for allowing me to take part in this amazing program

I have been taking the Krav Maga program for about a few years now and absolutely love it. Raymond…read moreis an excellent instructor who loves what he does. I love the camaraderie of the class very much as well. The level 1 classes are challenging and consist of a lot of cardio and self defense fundamentals. Level 2 and up is a whole new ballgame with intense drills, cardio and sparring. Raymonds classes offer a very positive and encouraging environment which keeps you coming back.

Came for a reformers pilates and was hooked!…read more I was greeted by Christina, one of the owners of the studio and she gave me a quick tour of the place, letting me know of all the other workout classes they also offer. The upstairs is where the reformer pilates takes place and is the newer part of the studio. The studio is clean and super welcoming. They have spin, barre classes, mat pilates and reformer pilates. I made my way upstairs where the room was beautifully lit from all the big windows. The workout itself was a 5/5, as it worked me hard! Loved Christina's energy in motivating the class and fixing people's forms if they were off. The music choice was also very good and upbeat. Reformers pilates level 2 is definitely a tough one that will get your body shaking in ways you didn't know it could. I left the class feeling super energized and happy. I can't wait to come back again and again! Would highly recommend this studio for all!

This studio is truly one of the best I've ever been to! I absolutely loved the reformer Pilates…read moreclass with Melanie--she's amazing and so attentive to everyone. The studio has such cozy, welcoming vibes and feels like a big upgrade compared to others I've tried. Melanie's class was thoughtfully structured, engaging, and an incredible workout. Highly recommend!

Traditional Wu Shu, San Da, and Wing Chun Kung Fu! A great place to learn!read more

This place is the real deal. Master Tang studied wing chun under grandmaster Ip man himself and his…read moreson ( who teaches whu shu) is a World and Pan Am champion. The atmosphere is also very welcoming.

Great gym to learn authentic Muay Thai. All the instructors are great at pushing you, very…read moreknowledgable and are more than happy to answer any questions that you have regarding the sport. Facility is clean, very well organized and have great equipment.

Amazing gym with qualified instructors and a friendly atmosphere. Great for beginners to…read moreexperienced martial artists. Great variety of programs, bjj, Muay Thai and boxing. Excellent kids programs also. Highly recommended

Whether you are new to Muay Thai or already have some skills, Stride is an excellent environment…read morefor learning and improving. The community is super supportive and respectful for all MT practitioners, recreational or competitive, thanks to Coach Lanny's leadership. My daughter and I started together when she was 11 and now at 19, she fights internationally and we've trained in Thailand twice. It's been a life changer.