Sanchin
A 12-week small-group program that uses traditional karate to help children build emotional regulation, focus and confidence — led by a Registered Psychotherapist.
- Ages 6–12
- Sundays, 2–3 pm
- Starts Nov 15, 2026
- FLYT Club · 809 Dundas St W
- 4–6 kids per group
- $960, or 3 payments of $320
Mind, body and spirit: the three battles
Sanchin means “the three battles” — mind, body and spirit. It is a foundational form in Goju Ryu karate built on slow, controlled breathing, a strong rooted stance and steady focus. In this program, those same skills become tools children can use when big feelings show up at school, at home or with friends.
This is not a typical karate class, and it is not sitting in a therapy office. Kids learn real martial arts in a structured, encouraging setting, while a therapist helps them connect what happens in their body to what they feel and how they cope.
What children work on
Emotional regulation
Breathing and stance practice that helps kids slow down and reset when they feel angry, anxious or overwhelmed.
Focus & self-control
Stillness, listening and controlled movement build attention and impulse control.
Confidence
Grounded posture, clear goals and visible progress help kids feel strong and capable.
Connection
A small group of 4–6 children with respect, teamwork and encouragement built in.
Who it's for
Sanchin can be a good fit for children who have trouble managing frustration or big emotions, who struggle with focus or impulsivity, who feel anxious or lack confidence, or who don't connect easily with talk-based therapy. No martial arts experience is needed.
Meet Chris
Child, youth & family therapy · Sanchin program creator
Chris has more than a decade of experience supporting children, youth and families across a range of mental health settings. His approach is warm, engaging and client-centred, helping kids and families work through emotional challenges, behavioural concerns and relationship difficulties with compassion and practical strategies.
He specializes in attachment-based therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and brings in mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills. Chris has worked with agencies across Toronto and has trained other professionals in evidence-based mental health techniques.
Chris has trained in Goju Ryu karate for over 20 years. He created Sanchin to help children connect mind and body, drawing on Goju Ryu with elements of Muay Thai for physical engagement and self-awareness, and he tailors each group to the children in it.
Program details
When
Sundays, 2:00–3:00 pm · 12 sessions
- Nov 15
- Nov 22
- Nov 29
- Dec 6
- Dec 13
- Dec 20
- Jan 10
- Jan 17
- Jan 24
- Jan 31
- Feb 7
- Feb 14
No class Dec 27 or Jan 3 (winter break).
Where
FLYT Club
809 Dundas St W (lower level), Toronto
Cost
$960 for all 12 sessions ($80/session)
Or pay in 3 monthly payments of $320
Insurance
Sessions are led by a Registered Psychotherapist, so they may be claimable under extended health benefits that cover psychotherapy. Please check your plan's coverage and annual maximum.
Ready to sign up?
Register and pay online to save your child's spot.
Not ready yet, or the group is full?
Spaces are limited to 4–6 children per group. Join the waitlist below and we'll call you to answer your questions, or let you know as soon as a spot opens. Prefer to talk? Call or text 647-345-0661.
Please don't include health details in the form. We'll go over those with you by phone.