Welcome to Gyoshi Martial Arts

Okinawa is an island south of mainland Japan where Karate or 'Tode' (china hand) originally came from. Gyoshi Martial Arts has been studying and teaching the beautiful art of Karate for over 30+ years and has taught over thousands of students along the way.

The Head Instuctor and Founder of Gyoshi Martial Arts is Sensei Paul Hamilton with over 30+ years of teaching and training experience. Gyoshi Martial Arts is currently not affiliated with anyone however continues to train under the lineage of Chibana Choshin which he named Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu or "Small Forest School".

People are attracted to the Martial Arts for a variety of reasons. Many wish to learn self-defense to be able to protect themselves or their loved ones. Others are looking to instill self-discipline, self-respect and self-confidence in either themselves or their children. And some are hoping to get in shape with an exercise program that lets them work at their own pace.

GMA prides itself on being able to confidently say that we offer all these and more. Our instructors have experience teaching in our city's Parks & Recreation Karate programs, in High Schools and Community Centers across the Greater Toronto Area and neighbouring areas.

We don't just teach Karate, we share our Passion.

You are not John Doe, so why go to John Doe's dojo?

A dojo is not just a place that you have a membership to. A dojo is a place where a karate family gets together to train and strengthen each other, thereby making the dojo a place of strength.

Strength only comes from unity. Instead of creating a dojo where everyone would be happy, G.M.A. has set the standard for its members with the hopes that a special type of student will emerge at each stage of his/her growth. A student who represents the truest meaning of what G.M.A. is all about, will reflect the dojo's philosophy in his/her lifestyle. Martial Arts is not just about kumite, kata or weapons. Years of following the martial way will eventually lead every student to a greater understanding of his/her personal interpretation of the Arts.

The philosopher Kahlil Gibran wrote in his most famous book, "The Prophet," that a wise teacher does not teach you, "but leads you to the threshold of your own mind."

This type of dojo may not be for you, and that is okay, it is not for John Doe either.