Tom Mah School of Karate

Meet Finley Van Emmerik, TMSK's newest yellow belt. A young man with challenges who didn't give up (with the unwavering support of his parents, Matt and Klaudia).
This is quite an achievement for Finley. Finley struggles with focusing in a group environment. Inattentive, uninterested, and easily distracted. But since taking on private lessons at the beginning of Fall this year, he is now able to demonstrate what he is capable of. He can focus and listen. He is learning at a much faster rate. His techniques have improved tremendously in form, speed, and power. And more importantly a much more respectful and polite individual.
It's been a joy helping and watching this young man grow in spirit and in confidence. My hope is that this journey in karate will help bring out the best in him.
Keep up the good work, Finley. Congratulations on this significant achievement.

Congratulations Nathan Maxey on passing the orange level examination. You performed magnificently with very few mistakes. You showed one of the best Neko Ashi Dachi compared to some in recent gradings. Your talent is shining through. Keep up the good work! 👍👊

A huge congrats to Chris McGrath on passing the Kobudo (weapons) yellow level exam . It didn't come easy for Chris as he struggles with putting what he hears into physical action. But he persevered and attended class every week. Congratulations Chris, your efforts have paid off. Very proud of you.

3 promotions happened Tuesday (Nov 18th) morning.
Congratulations to (l to r) Jennifer Bednar - green level; John Forbes - yellow level; and Ardiss Mackie - green level.
The examination went fairly smooth. No big hiccups. Good job everyone.
A special mention about Ardiss.......she has been coming in to the dojo 5 days each week to practice. 2 regular morning classes and 3 sessions of private practice. Her efforts really showed up in her performance and impressed the members of the grading panel.

A big congratulations to these two members on reaching the yellow rank: Alan Djivre and Kian Chambers. These two guys were well prepared for the exam and performed one of the smoothest tests that the grading board has seen in a while. Great job men.

Congratulations to Dragana Babic on passing her orange level examination recently.
Ana (as she prefers to be called) is one of the many members who put their heart and soul into their training.
Keep up the good work, Ana. We appreciate you and love your big smiles and cheerful attitude.

Coffee time.

A big round of applause to an amazing young man who challenged his first grading and passed with flying colours.
Bryson Young began his journey a bit on the shy and nervous side with some difficulty in coordination. But on testing day he was confident and performed with technical excellence.
TMSK is so very proud of this young man. CONGRATULATIONS Bryson. Keep up the hard work and stay the course. Greater things are just ahead.

A huge congratulation to these 2 hard working individuals on their yellow belt promotion. They have earned it with much effort, sweat, and enthusiasm.......Marjorie Keenan and Pete Driscoll

An amazing note: Marjorie is 75 years young and started with TMSK just last Sepetember.

Pete is a retired professional who trained many years ago in Nova Scotia. Earlier this year he recommitted himself to training again. TMSK is very glad he chose his martial arts home here.

A good reminder!