I started my own training with the Orillia YMCA Karate Program in 1991 and received my Black Belt from the Toronto Academy of Karate & Judo Ltd in 1999.
(see PROFILE: Orillia karate teacher celebrating 30 years with local dojo, published by Orillia Matters, Dec. 27, 2021.)
Our program founder, Black Belt John Methot, started his training at the Toronto Academy in 1975 and introduced a Karate Program to the Orillia YMCA in 1988, following his retirement from business.
Since the “roots” of our program are with the Toronto Academy, we have continued our association over the years and meet with their students twice yearly.
In the Spring we attend and compete in their annual tournament which is held in Toronto. In July, we again join the Toronto Academy for their annual “summer” training day. This is an all-day Karate training and greatly enjoyed by our students. We ensure our standards of training parallel those of the Toronto Academy of Karate Fitness and Health and the awards won each year by our students at the annual Karate tournament attest to the quality of our training at the Orillia YMCA.
I hope you will enjoy your training in our program,
Gerry Ramsay, Instructor
