Classes Start September 9

We hope everyone had a wonderful summer.

Classes start Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Also, this year we are going to train twice per week, Wednesday and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

We will no longer be operating a Sunday class.

See you next week!

Sensei Julie Gets the Third Degree!

At the monthly black belt class in November, Sensei Julie was awarded her 3rd dan (third-degree black belt).

Just to make things interesting, I cancelled class that evening and took a bunch of our students to Markham so we could watch the ceremony.

We tried to be quiet when the black belts were bowing in, but they heard us and Sensei Julie turned around to see what the commotion was. The look on her face was priceless!

Sensei Julie, of Ajax-Pickering Wado Kai Karate, received her 3rd dan
Her first expression communicated: “Why aren’t you teaching our class?”

The second one was even more interesting when it dawned on her why we were there. When he awarded her certificate, Sensei Manara said: “Eric, I think you might be in a bit of trouble over this one.”

It’s trouble that I’ll gladly put up with.

So congratulations Sensei Julie—love of my life and heart of our club!

Welcome Back!

Classes officially started Wednesday, September 3 and we’ve been training for a couple of weeks now.

It’s nice to see so many of our students back: Kevin, Erik, Sean, Jessica, Paul, Andrew, Rayhan, Kartik, Rachel, Heather, Sydney, Kimberley, Riley, Kymara, Kieren, Dylan, Erin, Richard, Allan, Eric and Margaret.

Good start.

We’re hoping some new students will join us to help round out our student base.

We’re looking forward to a great year!

Classes Start September 4

Eric Bergman
Sensei Julie and I hope you had a great summer! We certainly did.

It’s now time to get back into training.

Classes start Wednesday, September 4. We will once again be conducting classes three times per week:

  • Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sensei Julie and I went to the Ex during the last week of summer and watched “The Stuntmen” show, which is a bunch of martial artists who also choreograph stunts for movies. We got some interesting training ideas and, as always, we’re open to your suggestions.

See you at class!

Sensei Eric

Karate During Easter Weekend

easter egg
We will have classes during Easter weekend on Friday, March 29 and Sunday, March 31. Sensei Julie and I will certainly be there, so join us if you can!









Time to Register for Oshawa Tournament

I just got an e-mail from one of the organizers for the Oshawa tournament on Saturday, December 8.

She says that only nine participants and three judges are registered for the tournament so far.

The tournament will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the YWCA Durham Family Programs Centre, 1 McGrigor Street, Oshawa, ON.

To register, you must complete an online form by November 30.

Registration Instructions

1. Open the link by clicking here.

2. Fill in the form with your correct information.

3. Print the form so your parents can sign it (a signed form must be submitted at the tournament when you register).

4. Once the form is printed, click “submit” on the bottom to send the form to the tournament organizers.

Senior belts (shodan-ho and up) are encouraged to help with judging. To register as a judge, complete the registration form above and submit it (you do not need to print it).

Karate in the Bahamas

If you’re interested in mixing sand, beaches, karate and camaraderie, you should think about joining your fellow Toronto Wado-Kai karateka in the Bahamas next April.

The event is being held in Freeport, the Bahamas from April 5-12, 2013. The $1,300 price is all-inclusive and will provide an experience second to none.

Sensei Julie and I went in February 2010, and it was a great time!
Promo flyer 2_Layout 1

We worked out every morning on the beach. Each sensei took a turn leading the workout, which gave everyone insight into how others approach teaching.

We spent a number of evenings working out with Freeman Thurston’s club. Freeman has headed up the Bahamas chapter of Toronto Wado-Kai for many years.

It was one of the best weeks of exercise and camaraderie we’ve ever experienced.

If you’re interested, call Sensei Lenore Eng at 416-451-5782 or e-mail her at bahamamas (at) live (dot) com.

Sensei Ron Sheyan to Visit Wednesday, November 21

On Wednesday, November 21, Sensei Ron Sheyan from Brooklin Wado-Kai will be visiting us. There are even rumours he will be bringing some of his students.

This is certainly a treat for us! Sensei Ron is one of the most respected sensei’s in our organization. He will be leading the class, which will undoubtedly be memorable.

If there’s any chance you can make it, don’t miss it!

The Annual Oshawa Tournament

2012 oshawa karate tournament
It’s once again time to register for the annual junior karate tournament in Oshawa.

This year, the tournament will be held Saturday, December 8 at the YWCA Durham Family Programs Centre, 1 McGrigor Street, Oshawa, ON. The tournament runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that registration is different this year.

Instead of telling Sensei Julie or I that they would like to go, each student registers on his/her own by completing an online form and submitting it individually to the tournament organizers.

If you are not pre-registered, you will not be allowed to compete at the tournament. You must submit your registration by November 30, 2012, in order to participate at the tournament!

Registration Instructions

1. Open the link by clicking here.

2. Fill in the form with your correct information.

3. Print the form so your parents can sign it (a signed form must be submitted at the tournament when you register).

4. Once the form is printed, click “submit” on the bottom to send the form to the tournament organizers.

As always, we’re looking forward to a fantastic tournament. There is no fee to participate or spectate, so everyone is welcome to attend.

Senior belts (shodan-ho and up) are encouraged to help with judging. To register as a judge, complete the registration form above and submit it (you do not need to print it).

A raffle table will be set up with goodies. Hot dogs, soft drinks and water will be available for sale. Tournament organizers are again accepting non-perishable food items or new toys for the YWCA.

Fall Tournament 2012

2012Fall karate Tournament Flyer
The fall karate tournament will be held Saturday, October 27 at the Thornhill Community Centre (corner of Bayview Ave and John St north of Steeles).

Everyone is invited. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. The tournament starts at 10:00 a.m. and should finish between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The fee to participate is $25 for kata and sparring. Spectators are $5 at the door (children 12 and under pay $3).

Even if you don’t participate, it’s worthwhile to watch the black belt kata and sparring. We have some incredibly talented students in the Toronto Wado-Kai Karate organization.

If you’d like to download the tournament flyer, you can by clicking here.