Kitchener Karate Academy

Join the best karate classes in Kitchener for kids & adults. Improve fitness, discipline & confidence. Sign up today. Shotokan is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo. Being one of the first and biggest styles, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate. Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi, in 1936 at Mejiro, and destroyed in 1945 as a result of an Allied bombing. Shoto, meaning “pine waves” (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen name, which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese kan means “house” or "hall." In honor of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading "shoto-kan," which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught. Sensei Phil is the owner and head instructor of Kitchener Karate Academy Inc. He has been training since 1991 and began teaching in 1997 at the age of 15. He holds a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan karate. Throughout his career, he has devoted his time on a regular basis to many organizations that have requested his help.