My nine year old twins, boy and girl, started lessons at Budokai late last year and having never participated in a combat sport, they were very nervous about the idea of Judo. Today they both look forward to Judo classes thanks to the patient, yet disciplined teaching style of Rick and Ray. Having 3 kids which participate in other organized activities and not being on a regular routine because of the summer, can sometimes make it challenging to attend every class. But the flexibility and understanding Rick and Ray have shown myself and my kids has been amazing and so helpful to us. I am so glad I was able to find your Judo school....thanks for everything you do Gentlemen.

We've had our son in a variety of martial arts over the past few years, from Tea Kwon Do to Karate and more. In the past, he would stick with it for a few weeks and quickly lose interest. He would get frustrated with the lack of attention from the instructor or get lost among a ton of other kids. We have seen a complete turnaround since bringing him to Budokai Judo Club. The instructors are great! They take the time to learn the student's name and learning style, explaining techniques in a way that the student can absorb and understand and then work with him one-on-one until he's comfortable and confident enough to practise with less supervision. The classes rarely exceed 12 students which means everyone gets the attention they need and with a minimum of 2 black belt instructors on the mat at any one time, students progress faster and get more out of it. Matt just received his orange belt and looks forward to going to judo. We are thrilled with the club and its instructors. Budokai is unlike many other martial arts clubs that charge an arm and a leg for babysitting service. They are reasonably priced, but the level of instruction and attention that students receive is really what makes the club special. I highly recommend them, especially their youth judo program. T. Miller

I've trained under the instruction of Sensei Rick and Sensei Ray for the last 6 years at Budokai Judo Club and Sensei Rick for a total of 16 years. I have nothing but good things to say: two of the best instructors I've had with endless knowledge of judo, a welcoming atmosphere and all with the perfect balance of fun and discipline. Ever since I was a kid, Sensei Rick has always had the kindest heart and wishes nothing but the best for his students. If you're a parent thinking of enrolling your child in a martial art or are considering it yourself, I would highly recommend Budokai.

My son and daughter (age 8 and 5) have been a part of the Budokai Judo Club for over 2 years now and they absolutely love it. Practicing judo at the club has made my kids so strong and confident. All the kids (and adults) they work with are so friendly and they really work well together. Sensei Rick and Sensei Ray are fantastic teachers. They are patient and knowledgeable and their priority is our kids safety. The Senseis have an engaging teaching style that highlights respect and strength of character while still making it fun for the kids.

I've been doing Judo for many years in different countries and dojos including Japan. What I like about Budokai Judo Club is this: It has a great atmosphere and knowledgeable friendly Judo teachers. They are patient and understanding, especially when it comes to kids and beginners. If you are looking to do judo for fun, recreation ,fitness or tournament Budokai give you the tools. As well, the sensei to student ratio is about 1:10 .The result is the students get the attention they need to progress faster than they normally would at other dojos. I highly recommend it. Lorne E.

Our son is 12 years old and just starting to experience bullying at school last year. A neighbour suggested we look into the new Budokai Judo Club to help him to develop safe skills and techniques to protect himself. Just one week into the program and his confidence is already starting to build. The best part is - he loves the club and is already making some friends. We love the clean and pristine look and feel of the club and the professional and attentive one on one instruction. Jayson raves about Rick. He's a very patient, knowledgeable and friendly teacher and the kids really seem to connect with him. He knows how to make Judo a really fun sport to learn.

Best judo instruction in Toronto. I’ve been with Rick and Ray for years now and have nothing but great things to say about this school. These two simply have more experience, patience and skill in instruction than you are going to find anywhere else. There is a reason why parents keep bringing their children back for years, and why those children grow up and come back to train as adults. Rick and Ray really are making better people as much as they are making judokas. Top notch kids program. Also a great adults program, especially for beginners as well as older hobbyists such as myself who are looking to learn the basics while still being able to go to work the next day. Take advantage of this opportunity.

My son (age 7) has been part of the Budokai Judo Club for over 3 years and he and I love it. Sensei Rick and Ray are more than just instructors they are fantastic teachers. They go well beyond the art of Judo and instill a commitment of strength, confidence, and safety in and out of the club. Both Rick and Ray are patient with their students and provide a level of discipline and respect that the students take with them when they finish each class. They provide an engaging atmosphere that is not only professional but is fun as well that my son looks forward going to the classes each and every week.

Wanted to try Judo for a long time, but was hesitant to learn a whole new martial art. After 1 class at Budokai Judo Club, the hesitation went away as not only the instructors were extremely helpful and kind but, even the students were. The instructors' friendliness and patience and extensive experience in the art helped guide me to easily understand what judo was all about and truly love it. Every time I go back to the dojo, you cannot help but feel the positive and humble energy surrounding the club which draws you to keep coming back to learn more !

Ray and Rick are amazing, friendly and highly technical instructors. They have proven to be invaluable instructors in my Judo career and I would highly recommend anyone wanting to improve their Judo skills to attend The Budokai Judo Club. I look forward to coming here more often.

Sensei Ray Litvak is one of the most patient and skilled certified black belt judo instructors in Toronto that I've had the pleasure of learning from and training with. The club is friendly, recreational and yet technical and functional techniques are taught. Looking to get back into judo or start a new martial art? Give Ray a call. You'll be glad you did! Doug P

I’ve been to different judo schools in the GTA and can say with confidence that Budokai Judo Club is one of the most welcoming dojos in Toronto. The instructors are passionate about judo and really know their stuff. The lessons are always topical, challenging and fun. During my last class, I was shown a technique that was functional and worked shortly after learning it. If you’re looking for a friendly, technical dojo, then you should give this place a try. You’ll be glad you did! Kevin Haber

Rick and Ray from Budokai are one of the best judo teachers you will come across in the GTA, if not the entire province of Ontario. Most importantly they are extremely professional, have a friendly approach and have great sportsmanship towards their students. They are always ready to lend a helping hand and support everyone. They are great examples what senseis should be. Our son joined their judo club first and he had the best experience there. Due to us moving far away we couldn’t continue taking lesson at their club. We have yet have to find someone who can match their level of dedication and support. Rick and Ray’s friendly attitude and a positive approach towards coaching your kids is hard to find. If you are looking for an excellent place for your kids to start their journey, Budokai is the place to go.

2 years ago, my wife and I were looking for a judo club for our then 7 years old son. We went to several clubs close to where we live and we selected Budokai for following reasons: 1) Sensei Rick and Ray are very dedicated teachers and were really patient in teaching each and every single kids there. 2) The philosophy of the club is to teach the kids not only to be good judoka but also good people, helping and support each others. 3) The club emphasizes techniques, tradition and respect for the art. (if you are looking for competition and "take no prisoner" judo", this is not a place for you) Since joining the club, my son has really flourish in his athletics and has started to make good decisions in all aspects of his school life. As a result, I myself have joined the club and both Rick and Ray have shown the same patience and dedication toward my development as they did for the kids. I have also sign up my daughter this past fall and she is progressing very well. I have recommended the club several of my friends and their kids are enjoying it as well.

I've known Sensei Rick for many years and have always admired his Judo technique and his teaching style. My son and daughter have been his students since they were about 6 yrs old (they are 15 now) and have developed confidence on and off the tatame. When he and Sensei Ray decided to open their club together I knew it would be a great place to practice Judo. Judo can be a tough sport but I have witnessed students develop in amazing a ways with Rick and Ray's years of experience and creative teaching techniques. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn a great martial art to give Budokai Judo a try!