My quiet son had always been shy and kind-hearted. Unfortunately, there will always be insecure individuals who will try to exploit this to empower themselves. When my son was bullied on the way home from school one day, I realized he needed to gain inner strength to stand up for himself. On recommendations, I came to Shuhari.

Training regularly with Sensei Brian Marett and Shihan Mitch Harrow transformed my son within months. He began to walk with confidence. He became much more outgoing and his circle of friends expanded. Suddenly, he was fun and popular and my strong child with his quiet inner strength had at last emerged!

As a mother, I was so thrilled, especially when his former teacher commented to me. “Wow Cathy, Anthony has really ‘come into his own’ this year. He’s got so many friends and his whole attitude is different. He is so confident now.” I could only smile and explain that; “Such is the power of Martial Arts.” Not just any Martial Arts, but this is the Shuhari way.

There are dojos that will focus on fighting and tournaments and that is fine if that is the focus. However, to become a beautifully well-rounded individual in our world today, you will need so much more than just physical strength and endurance. To be complete, you will need inner strength, confidence, honour, trust, respect and the deep desire to give of yourself. You will most assuredly gain power and endurance. However, at Shuhari, you will also learn to care for one another, your teachers, your community and you will want to give back.

I know this because I also joined the dojo last year. I have also been transformed. I have reached within and found the confidence to pursue my own dreams. At forty years old, I am returning to University to become the teacher I have always wanted to be. I owe much of this to the love, strength, support and courage that my Shuhari family has given to me.

If you want to enrich your own life or the life of someone you love, I cannot think of any better place to do so than right here, a place that will always be dear to our hearts. Our second home, Shuhari. Enjoy the journey.

I installed a serious alarm system in my home and set out to find out how to protect myself, physically. I happened across several dojos, each with their own set of unspoken rules and kicking and punching routines only to realize that it wasn’t what I was looking for. While I definitely needed physical guidance, I was looking for a teacher who was wise, understood people and could listen as well as teach. What I really sought was balance, but of course I didn’t know that then.

I found Shuhari, but in truth, I think Shuhari found me. After meeting the people there just the once, I knew it was a club I could train in. I knew that as a female, I’d be honoured for the work I did, gender aside. I did not expect to find a family of brothers and sisters who would make me so welcome I could count them as my own family. I did not expect the tears of self-discovery, the frustration and ultimate patience a new art would bring, nor the depth of love I would feel for my teachers. I joined to kick and punch – right?

My lessons at Shuhari are endless. After eight years of training, my time on the mats has only increased in intensity, duration and value. I train three martial arts now because I understand their interconnected nature. I know the value of the self-defence art I study. I go out, any time of the day or night, though I’m not a fool and do not seek trouble. Indeed my martial arts have taught me how to avoid it. Training has given me the confidence to face my greatest fears, it has challenged me to levels I would never have guessed I could attain, and at age 46, I’m in the best shape of my entire life. Shuhari has given me all of this, and to my teachers and classmates, I am forever grateful. Everyone has noticed the change in me – this time, it’s for the better.

I started training in martial arts after a serious injury which left me in extreme pain, limited neck, hand and arm function and in need of intensive physiotherapy. I had a specialist from the Comprehensive Pain Program recommend martial arts training to reduce the levels of pain, increase coordination, increase self-esteem and confidence, while gradually increasing my range of motion and improving my mental health and outlook in general. I can now attest to the fact that my pain was significantly reduced (I was able to stop all of my pain meds), I gained the strength and function in my neck, right arm and hand and am able to partake in all aspects of martial arts training.

Martial arts training at Shuhari gave me the opportunity to become even more involved in my children’s training, as we can practise together at home and be mindful of one another during our class time. As a parent, I was looking for an activity that my children would find fun and rewarding but at the same time provide them with skills that they could develop as their bodies and minds grew.

Training at Shuhari has more than surpassed our expectations. My children have learned self-discipline, respect and goal setting which in turn has provided them with positive reinforcement, enhanced self-esteem and achievement. The positive reinforcement that a child receives as a result of this achievement cannot be explained in words or measured in dollars. Shuhari creates a positive, safe atmosphere combined with expert knowledge, instruction and peace of mind.

I strongly believe that students training at Shuhari love the dojo because of the dedication, commitment and high degree of professionalism imparted to them by Shihan, Sensei and the black belts. Shuhari is extremely well organized. The instructors approach both beginners and advanced classes with the same level of enthusiasm and concern. The emphasis is on improvement rather than simply achieving higher belt levels.

I cannot speak highly enough of Shuhari. I have not only gained basic martial arts skills and techniques, but also great friendships with other students. The camaraderie, commitment and support we demonstrate to one another are instrumental in our martial arts training. They are extraordinary martial artists who motivate, inspire and relate to adults and children with their teachings. Thank you for helping each and every one of us to follow the path in pursuit of excellence. 

I felt welcome the very first time I entered the dojo, and since then I have had the opportunity to grow, and grow closer to the friends I've made here. When people ask me why I train, I almost always reply the same way. I tell them that I train with self-defense in mind. Should the day ever arrive that I need to protect myself or those I care about, I want to be prepared. This is truth, and close to my core, but it's not the whole story. There's another aspect about Shuhari that has become more important with time. As we all go through life, we experience good times, and not so good times, and in those not so good times, Shuhari, and especially my Sensei, has helped me stay balanced, stay grounded, and get through until better days. I am honoured to have been asked to provide a testimonial, and yet, perhaps all the words of praise fade before the three words that really say it all. From my heart, I can truly say this; Thank you, Sensei.

I have had the benefit of being one of these students for over a decade, which represents more than half my life. Shuhari and my teacher have been there through difficult and trying times, and both have been at the source of some of my proudest accomplishments that have driven my personal and professional life to the highest level of achievement. My relationship with my teacher and with Shuhari has been the source of an endless supply of perseverance and dedication to achievement and excellence. I almost stopped. I had been with my teacher for four years, and the pressures I was facing academically and personally were taking over my life. At 15 I was facing tremendous stress in my academic life and demons in my personal life… and I almost stopped training. I talked to my Sensei about a hiatus. I told him I needed a month to get my life together, and he listened. I told him I couldn’t train during that month, and he listened. I had nothing left to say. He said “You’re not stopping.” “You’re not stopping.” The impact of those words was profound. I owe so much to hearing those words from my teacher. I have only recently begun to realize how deep that conversation has actually run, because it wasn’t just a statement about a month off that I wanted to take seven years ago. It was a statement about life. It was a statement about what Shuhari is to its students, and the relationship my teacher and I have forged since. There is no stopping on the path you choose when you become a student of Shuhari. The creed has always been “The first step is choosing your teacher, the next step we take together” and that statement couldn’t be more true. There is always a next step, there is always more to achieve and to do, and your teacher and your dojo will be there to walk beside you and drive you forward. There is no stopping once you start. For me, the continued drive is owed so largely to the steps I have taken with my teacher. Sensei has taken many steps with me, at my side helping me face challenges, in front of me pulling me ahead, or at my back pushing me forward. In any case, his words are still there, still resounding; “You’re not stopping.” I will continue to honour my teacher and my dojo as long as this life allows. It will always be my goal to perpetuate the knowledge I’ve gained through my years at Shuhari, while preserving and protecting my teachers and my lineage. It is an honour to aspire to travel the path that my teachers followed, to attempt to live up to the legacy they have built and continue to build through Shuhari.

Then, almost as an exclamation point, we watched Shihan Mitch teach the kids Kung Fu and Karate. It confirmed that we had made the right decision. Clearly, his passion can be seen and felt by all. In July of 2008, I also decided to join the dojo. I knew that my oldest son would be in the adult class once he turned 14 and I thought it would be good for us to train together. It had been tough for me. I had gained 50 lbs. after quitting smoking and I was extremely out of shape. I'm already feeling better and find myself looking forward to my training. The schedule is convenient, with day, evening and weekend classes available. We are provided with the opportunity to cross train. I see the commitment given by the teachers, Sensei Brian, Shihan Mitch, Senpai Rich and Senpai Andrew, and I am inspired to continue my training and reap the rewards. I recommend Shuhari to anyone looking to study Martial Arts in Barrie. It has been, and will continue to be, a positive influence in my family, both physically and spiritually.

Well, that hot summer day when I wandered into Shuhari not sure who I would meet, Sensei came out to greet me and we began a conversation. After leaving the Dojo I had a peace of mind about bringing my boys to a class, and the rest is history. My two oldest sons came to the Dojo with anticipation and hesitation all at the same time. After that first class, the boys now run home after school, change into their gis and off we go to class. Several months into training my youngest son continued to talk about his interest. Unsure if he would struggle to maintain concentration and interest in an hour long class, he decided with Sensei’s approval to start classes. He is the first one changed and into his gi and ready to go after his school day. I have found more than I could have desired: a strict and loving environment, with great association for the boys. They have developed new friendships outside of school which is invaluable to me. I am watching my sons develop skills and techniques through their training with both Sensei and Shihan, that they are proud of. Mostly, Shuhari is a place where they feel they belong. I love the life lessons that they receive. I call this Life 101. I am grateful for the generosity I have received and the consistency the boys receive on a weekly basis. Shuhari has become an active piece of our lives every week and I love to watch their self-confidence grow. Thank you Sensei and Shihan and everyone who helps maintain the integrity of the Dojo. You do make a difference.