An Important Announcement About Mind Over Matter Karate
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Mind Over Matter Karate.
Founded in England in 1968 under Kagami Shin Kai and brought to Canada by Sensei Neil approximately 30 years ago, the teachings have shaped thousands of students through martial arts education. This decision was not made lightly, and we know it will affect many of you who had planned to continue your training with us.
Sensei Neil is retiring from teaching karate. As with any lifelong martial artist, his own practice continues — karate is not something you finish, but something you carry forward.
As students know, we are currently on summer break. The closure of Mind Over Matter Karate is effective immediately, and classes will not resume. Students/their parents should refer to additional information sent by email on 8/10/2026.
We are deeply grateful for all those who chose Mind Over Matter Karate, and we trust that the discipline, resilience and confidence developed here will stay for life. We encourage you to continue with martial arts, whether through another karate school or another discipline altogether.
To those who were looking forward to continuing with us, particularly our long-standing students, we recognize that this closure interrupts a journey you have worked hard to build, and that weighs on us as well.
It has been our distinct honour to know and teach each of you, and to serve this community through high quality martial arts education.
If you have any questions relating to Mind Over Matter Karate or its closure, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our inbox will continue to be monitored until September 30, 2026.
We wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
Sensei Neil
Mind Over Matter Karate
a top rated family martial arts school offering classes on Saturdays in thornhill, Vaughan
Welcome to Mind Over Matter Karate, where families come to learn martial arts and become stronger together.
We live in world with so many distractions, so much busyness, and too little time for self-development. This is especially concerning for children and families.
That’s why traditional martial arts, taught with modern day principles, are becoming more important for the health and long-term success of children, teens and adults alike!
Sign up for a free first class to experience our philosophy based on Japanese “Budo” and the values of respect, honour, and discipline. This creates a safe atmosphere to train and grow for all members of the family. We have over 30 years of teaching experience and welcome everyone who is ready to become a better person through martial arts!
Come experience Mind Over Matter Karate for yourself, with no strings attached. We pride ourselves in providing the best quality instruction for our students. Will we see you and your family this Saturday? If so, click “add to cart” and proceed to your cart to check out (you will not be asked for payment information).
CLASSES just NORTH of yonge street and steeles ave.
We pride ourselves in providing the best quality instruction for our students.
Come experience Mind Over Matter Karate for yourself, with no strings attached. We pride ourselves in providing the best quality instruction for our students. Will we see you and your family this Saturday? If so, click “add to cart” and proceed to your cart to check out (you will not be asked for payment information).
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE KIDS, TEENS & ADULTS
$200 for 12 classes
8 - 70 yrs old
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
This class increases physical, mental, and emotional strength and resilience in a structured and supportive atmosphere. Beginner and intermediate students take part in the Black Belt Leadership Program which is a foundations personal development program designed to increase maturity, mindfulness, and grit.
ADVANCED KIDS, TEENS & ADULTS
$250 for 12 classes
All ages, based on rank
Saturday, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
This class expands the limits of students' mind and body strength, conditioning and connection. Sparring (kumite) and street applications become a focus in this curriculum. Advanced students are also expected to learn to coach and mentor others by taking part in the Train the Trainer Program: an advanced leadership development program.
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Mind Over Matter Karate is a dojo based in North York, Toronto, Ontario. We teamed up with Mindfulness Without Borders to talk about the importance of mindfulness for kids, especially as they grow up.