Japan Martial Arts Centre

Japan Martial Arts Centre is a karate school and community focused on developing skilled martial artists and confident, disciplined individuals. Founded in 1995 by Sensei Kam Arefi, the centre draws on his extensive experience as an instructor and competitor. Arefi holds an eighth-degree black belt in Shito-Ryu Karate, represented Greece in karate at the Panhellenic Games, and was selected for the Greek Shito-Ryu national team in 1993. Since moving to Canada that year, he has taught thousands of students, including athletes who have become provincial and national champions, instructors, and practitioners.

The centre teaches karate as both a martial art and a way of life, emphasizing grit, collaboration, goal setting, respect, resilience, honor, and self-discipline. Its programs welcome children and adults, combining traditional practice with modern instruction. Japan Martial Arts Centre also supports students’ individual short- and long-term goals in a warm, structured environment. Beyond classes, the organization contributes to karate across Ontario through Sensei Kam’s work on Karate Ontario’s technical and coaching committees.