Ryuuko Dojo

Specialties

Are you looking for traditional, non-​sports orientated training in the martial arts, but the local training facilities don’t match your busy schedule? Or perhaps you just prefer private training? Are you in the Toronto area? Look no further. You have found what you have been looking for! Ryuuko Dojo is a traditionally based mixed martial arts training opportunity located in Toronto, Ontario. The style taught is called Gogyo Goshin-​jitsu, a mixed hard/​soft martial arts style containing techniques and forms from the martial arts styles of; Karate,(hardstyle strikes, kicks and blocks), Judo, (throws and chokes), Jiu-​jitsu, (grappling, joint locks and controlling methods), Okinawan/​Shaolin Kempo, (the five animal forms; tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon), and the internal martial art of Qi-​Gong. Lessons are taught privately or semi-​privately. Do you have a group of friends that would like to train regularly together? Let’s talk…

As well as private lessons in Goshin-​jitsu, Ryuuko Dojo offers;

1. Private or Semi-​private Lessons (Goshin-​jitsu, Self–

defense, Fitness, Qi-​gong)

2. Morning Qi-​gong Classes

3. Shiatsu or Medical Qi-​gong Therapy

4. VIP Special (combo private lesson/​therapy session)

5. Seminars

6. CPR/​AED Certification

7. Ninjutsu training (private or semi-​private classes)

History

Established in 2007.

Ryuuko Dojo began with the idea of offering traditional, non-​sports orientated training in the martial arts to the public. The owner and head instructor, John Dempsey Jr., felt it was important to offer a non-​competitive style that would be well rounded and thus offer training in many aspects of the martial arts. The style, Goshin-​jitsu, was then a mix of Karate, Judo and Jiu-​jitsu. This style was further modified in 2012 with the inclusion of Chinese elements into the system, and renamed, ‘Gogyo Goshin-​jitsu’, (Japanese for ‘The Essence of Five Animal/​Element Self-​defense’), after John had spent time learning the five animal forms, as well as specialized training in Qi-​gong, meridian theory, and kyusho points.

Up until mid 2013, John had been teaching at local parks or the homes of the students that he has taught privately. However, in July of 2013 he was fortunate enough to move into a home that had plenty of space for a home dojo. He has been teaching there since.

Meet the Business Owner

John D.

Business Owner

John Dempsey Jr., is a Nidan, (certified second degree black belt), and has over 25 years experience in various martial arts and over 10 years experience in teaching this style of martial arts. He is also a Shiatsu Therapist, having recently graduated from the Shiatsu Therapist Diploma Program at the Shiatsu School of Canada in 2013.

John’s training includes over 15 years of competition at various martial arts tournaments. After years of sport related training however, John evolved into a traditionalist and gave up competing to focus on the true purpose of the martial arts; self-​defense, self-​development and a balance of body, mind and spirit.

John has been heavily influenced by his studies in Qi-​gong, Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Five Animal forms and meridian theory. He feels that these studies have helped to bring balance to himself and to the style of martial arts that he teaches.

Ryuuko Dojo also recommends

Airways Airbrushing & Sign Co

Local Services

John D. says,

«Are you in need of a business sign or personal artwork? Signs, murals, portraits, sculptures and more!»

Five Element Shiatsu

Traditional Chinese Medicine

John D. says,

«John also operates Five Element Shiatsu, offering treatments in Shiatsu, Tuina, Stretching, Cupping, Moxibustion, and Medical Qi-​gong.»