Blog

The truth is that the way dojos operated before COVID is no longer sustainable. That’s not unique to us — it’s true across education, sports

To say a kid can’t earn a black belt is to admit that you care more about belts than skill. That’s the truth right there. And I’m not cal

The problem with our education system isn’t that the standards aren’t tight enough. The problem is we keep everyone together too long. We lump learning into one giant group and pretend there’s one path, one pace, one definition of “smart,” and one timeline that everyone has to follow. Same subjects. Same order. Same expectations. Same deadlines. Same damn pressure. And if you don’t fit? We treat it like a character flaw. So learning becomes a chore. Not because learning is na

Karate kept close to the heart never really cools

As 2025 comes to a close, Northern Karate Markham is looking ahead with renewed focus. This past year was about resetting — moving beyond th

Karate wasn’t meant to be one thing.

I’ve shown up to places where nobody greeted me. I mean literally nobody. You’d walk inside, stand there awkwardly.

The belt around your waist says nothing about the journey you took to earn it.”

Most of what we do in life serves no practical purpose. And that’s exactly why it matters.

That’s why his philosophy still lands. He wasn’t trying to inspire you. He was trying to survive.

A lot of kids experience bullying not because of their personality, their interests, or anything they did wrong —

Martial artist's aren't Dumb. They're just literal. Trained that way.

Japanese terminology is fading from the dojo — and that’s okay. Understanding, not repetition, is what keeps martial arts alive

Discipline isn’t stillness — it’s choice. The dojo isn’t about control; it’s about growth, connection, and walking the Way at full speed.

In our dojo, we don’t train to obey — we train to understand. Questioning isn’t defiance; it’s awareness. That’s how you stop being boring.

Leadership isn’t about followers — it’s about walking your path long enough for others to find it. Keep walking. The right people will join

You don’t need to live in the karate bubble. Progress isn’t about obsession — it’s about enthusiasm, balance, and showing up honestly.

Martial arts isn’t just an activity—it’s an education. At NKS Markham, karate builds focus, confidence, and leaders who change the world.