Sherbourne Martial Arts Academy: SMAA

Kyoshi Shelbourne and Senseis at SMAA provide an excellent martial arts training experience with top notch teaching of jiu jitsu, karate, and self defense. The traditions of martial arts instruction are combined with thorough curriculums that emphasise effectiveness and applications. Six months after joining the dojo, we (father and son) continue to be very happy to be able to part and to train in this dojo. We appreciate the personal attention to individual progress and seriousness of training while keeping it fun!

The best dojo in the city! Kyoshi Sherbourne is an excellent teacher with so much experience.

Real Karate and Kobudō directly from Okanawa via master Odo sensei linage.
And Brazilian jiujitsu from the Gracie family and Roy Harris.
Not only that but Kyoshi Sherbourne
Has years of experance as a teacher with the tvdsb here in London Ontario.
And many years of experiance teaching wrestling/boxing/ikedo... and more.
Leaving you with the most comprehensive/practical fighting techniques.
And at the same time not forsaking the true principals of bushido. 🙇‍♂
This is a calm friendly environment where everyone learns and grows together.
Many times there are 5 or 6 sensei in the dojo.
This place is awosme.

The teacher is as a needle, the disciple is as thread. You must practice constantly. - Miyamoto Musashi

I've been training here for over 3 months now, and coming in as a beginner, I have to say everyone has been welcoming, patient and respectful.
I've learned a lot so far and love the positive atmosphere.
I look forward to making the Dojo part of my regular routine for the next forseeable future.
Thank you to everyone at Smaa
Kiai!!! 🔥

Wonderful training facility! Kyoshi Simon is a warm and approachable individual with years of martial arts background. The traditional values taught and on display at this dojo are top notch. All students are kind and respectful, making it easy for new people looking to branch out. By far one of the best gyms in southwestern Ontario.

Having been a student of Kyoshi Sherbourne for many years, I have had the privilege to experience the development of a very concise and encompassing training method relating to BJJ, MMA and self defense techniques. The level of training offered at SMAA is second to none in regards to the scope of techniques and applications taught, and the logical way in which the students are introduced and ultimately able to become proficient in those techniques in various applications.

I'm a new member, having started about five months ago. But I have practiced martial arts on-and-off since the late 1980s, with about 20 years total instruction under various teachers across several styles. I can therefore say with authority that Sherbourne Martial Arts Academy is an excellent place to study martial arts. In the karate and kobudo program, Kyoshi Sherbourne offers what I would call a traditional program with a modern flair. The self-defense program, which is excellent too, combines elements of jujitsu with applications from the karate program. The atmosphere is positive, supportive, and very welcoming for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. I’ve also witnessed first hand the very positive impact that the programs have on children and young people.

Mr. Sherbourne’s professional experience as an educator underpins everything: the other instructors are excellent, the program is well organized, requirements are clear, and a series of affordable and useful videos can help students to buttress in-class learning.

In short: this is an excellent martial arts academy. My highest recommendation.

Edit, January 2023: the new dojo on Wonderland St is an outstanding facility with lots of training space.

My teenage daughter has been attending the Self-Defense classes for approximately a year. I am consistently impressed by the practical nature of the techniques taught during each lesson. These classes have helped to build self-confidence in my daughter which she can now carry with her everywhere.

I’ve been a Jujitsu student with Sherbourne for approximately three months. Needless to say it has been challenging and very humbling. Simon is a highly trained professor and has developed an excellent program that integrates hands-on fundamentals with a short home based pre-study that prepares you for class. Technique and compression is the focus which is ideal for learning without getting injured. (Other academies can be overly competitive and often leads to people getting injured.) Classes include multiple level students which is ideal when rolling to test your learning. Sherbourne offers other disciplines and also self defence classes which I will definitely be taking my daughter to. I highly recommend Sherbourne if you’re new to and curious about martial arts. Believe me, you’ll enjoy it.

Kyoshi Simon Sherbourne is an incredible martial arts instructor. He is kind, patient, and truly dedicated to his students. He has changed my life for the better by offering in-person trainings at a time when I needed it most. Not only is he an excellent teacher, but he also takes the time to get to know each of his students and tailors the training to their individual needs. If you see a glimpse of high-performance attitude in your kids, I highly recommend you entrust them to Kyoshi Simon Sherbourne, he will take care of the rest. I highly recommend him to parents and anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate instructor.

Currently learning Jiujitsu at this place. The dojo has a very traditional feeling while remaining a fun place to learn. The lessons are taught in a curriculum style so you can look ahead and see what you are going to work on in the coming lessons. This is a great place if you want to learn how to defend yourself, have fun and stay in shape. Very clean and safe atmosphere. Everyone at the dojo is super friendly with no egos or attitudes.

We registered our daughters at SMAA to learn a new skill, get some exercise and experience the life lessons that Martial Arts are well known for providing. Kiyoshi Simon Sherbourne has far exceeded our expectations. His passion for teaching and developing his students is obvious. We're thrilled with our decision to join. The facility is large clean and comfortable.

Love it so far! My teenage son has been really enjoying learning about Jiu-jitsu and Karate at SMA. He attends classes usually 4 times per week and regrets it when he has to miss class. You pay monthly and there is no long term contract to sign, which makes it very handy in case you need to take a pause for whatever reason. The place is bright, clean and organized. The teachers are great with kids. They are very welcoming and encouraging with people new to the sport. My son has been attending a couple months now and he has already learned a lot! He comes home showing us all his new moves!

He is a great teacher and mentor. I'm from other countries, once I know that I am very interested in Brazilian jujitsu living in my country.When I came to London because of my language is different. I ever wondered if I could insist on learning here . But I'm so lucky to see my martial arts teacher. He gave me the best answer: insist . Every time training and guidance have changed me. Not only the body's agility and continuous improvement and self-psychological quality is strong. He taught his teaching experience in a selfless way . I saw his hard work and superb teaching courses. I know that I found the best martial arts . This is not the most luxurious. But there are many excellent students and the best teacher. I believe you have found the best and most suitable martial arts . My second home.

My son and I have been training here for some years now. The vast wealth of knowledge and great martial arts traditions that SMAA has to offer is second to none. The dojo offers a very unique opportunity to train in various martial arts. We specially enjoy the traditional okinawan weapons training which is one of kind in the city. Kyoshi Sherbourne is a very well decorated martial arts instructor who is always kind and helpful with all his students.

Our son started training at SMAA with an interest in learning about karate. In the relatively short time he has been at the dojo he has learned a great deal. He is excited to go to class every week and is disappointed when we have to miss a lesson. The instruction from the leaders extends beyond techniques and crosses into life lessons which is an added bonus and is done in a way that is meaningful to the students. We love that our son has found his own niche, a place where he feels welcome, and part of a team of individuals working to better themselves in a collaborative environment. We highly recommend SMAA.

I visited SMAA (Sherbourne Martial Arts Academy) last week for a trial class and was extremely impressed. I felt at home right away with being greeted and welcomed to the class in casual but warm manner. I was given personalized instruction and introduction as to what SMAA offers from Simon himself (head instructor). I had a lot of fun learning about the blend of different martial arts taught at SMAA; BJJ and karate being among them. I saw great value in the self defense techniques and experience from Simon who has had previous civilian employment that would require his understanding, control, and effective use of martial art techniques.

The class I attended was a small class (test day for a couple of students), however I did not mind this at all as this often allows for a more personalized training approach. I am not sure of the average class sizes, but it seems like a smaller closer knit family club. All those in attendance were very keen, working hard, and very positive to each other and myself. That itself is a great motivator for anyone's training and safety.

The dojo inside is very clean, and the mats look new and well taken care of. Plenty of space to practice techniques, roll around, or do patterns. Visually or aesthetically speaking, the dojo has a nice mix between a traditional martial arts look with history, pictures, writings on the wall, several weapons systems (as taught in the full curriculum), but as well the high quality mats and other training equipment (i.e. sparring equipment) that is present with modern martial arts training and available here for members to use.

I am experienced through another martial art that I've been practicing for over 15 years, and I have also visited several other clubs last week including 5 others in the London area (some mixed arts, other strictly jiujitsu based). I have SMAA in the top two of my list and I highly recommend to check it out! In terms of feeling welcome and for a great value of martial arts training/cost under an experienced and reputable instructor, I am most inclined to place SMAA as number one. Excellent club for both beginners as well as for those with experience!

Great place to start Brazilian Jiu jutsu!
- The facility is always clean, as well as their bathroom.
- The instructor is very patient, nice and knows what he's doing
- The way he teaches will make you fall in love with martial arts as you start getting better week after week.
- His passion for martial arts will be obvious to you in day 1

I had a great experience with this dojo and would recommend it to anyone who is willing to try out Brazilian jiu jitsu or any other martial arts they offer!

I encourage anyone who is seeking the best Karate, Kobudo, Jiu-Jitsu and self defense training in London to definitely come in and see what Kyoshi Sherbourne has to offer!

I have been training with Kyoshi for many years/ since 1996. If you desire the true essence of traditional Okinawan Karate / Kobudo and top notch Jiu-Jitsu then this is it!
After becoming a world champion with Kyoshi Sherbourne and having a very successful semi pro cage fighting career I still love to train and teach at SMAA.

Take that first step and check it out.

See you on the Mat!!

Renshi Ken Louttet.

Training at Sherboune Martial Arts Academy has changed my life. Mr. Sherbourne's extensive knowledge of traditional martial arts, coupled with his years of academic teaching experience provide a learning opportunity that is second to none. His attention to each student and generosity with sharing his knowledge ensures that everyone progresses at a steady pace. The benefits of self improvement through training there go well beyond the unmatched lineage.

I have trained over the past 7 years with SImon Sherbourne at the SMAA gym. I'm honoured and humbled to have been instructed by Mr. Sherbourne. He has helped me to understand and become familiar with the art of Okinawa Karate, Grace Brazilian Jujitsu and Okinawa Kobudo with lots of one-on-one instruction. Priceless!

The championships/awards, training history, educational teaching/instructional backround of Simon is world-class and second to none. Simon is highly insightful, striving to always grow and push the members to improve the techniques...down to the smallest details.

Mr. Sherbourne also offers kids classes, Anti-bullying classes, self-defense classes, all women classes and business/corporate instructions too!

If you are looking for an instructor and a place to train, learn, grow, be surrounded by like-minded individuals and be part of something unique with a very rich Martial Arts history in London, Ontario...look no further. SMAA is IT!