Here is a collection of professional reviews of our work. They highlight our dedication to promoting the growth and understanding of the art of Japanese swordsmanship.

  “The cooperation and contribution of organizations such as Tokumeikan, are an essential part of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) and Road to Asia Festival martial arts demonstrations. Their support is part of the strength of the relationships that are developed through the JCCC’s motto of ‘Friendship through Culture.’“

Christine Takasaki Cultural Events and Volunteer Coordinator Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Toronto, Canada

“I am a long time student of kendo and iaido. Recently, I participated in a workshop on the basics of Katori Shinto Ryu kenjutsu with Douglas Tong. I was especially impressed with the pleasant and capable manner with which Tong Sensei led the large and diverse group. It was an energizing and fun experience. I am sure that anyone involved in traditional Japanese martial arts or swordsmanship in general will find much of interest in this style which is possibly the oldest koryu (classical school) still in existence.”

James Broadwell Head Instructor Oshawa Eishin Ryu Iaido Kai Oshawa, Canada

“Each year we strive to include traditional martial arts seminars in the Mixed Martial Arts Expo program and it is always a pleasure to have Sensei Tong’s Japanese swordsmanship as part of the curriculum. Sensei Tong can be counted on to deliver insightful and compelling seminars and each year participants rave about the opportunity to experience this unique martial art.”

Gerald Chopik President Mixed Martial Arts Expo Toronto, Canada

“We found the workshop simply fantastic. The amount of material we were able to cover was incredible, especially considering the diversity of the group’s past experience. It was clear that it was thanks to your generosity of spirit, clarity in explanation, and patience as a teacher that the seminar was such a success. We definitely want you to return to work with Rapier Wit again. Once again I wish to thank you personally for such a rewarding experience.”

Daniel Levinson President & Fight Director, Rapier Wit Former President, Fight Directors Canada Toronto, Canada

“Douglas Tong Sensei’s introductory seminar in Kenjutsu was just excellent. His generosity and particularly the very warm and human quality which he showed us in his instruction was really important and meaningful to us. We were fortunate to have him in our city and in our Dojo. Tong Sensei has given us a clear picture of the concepts and principles underlying Japanese swordsmanship and he has shown us what Kenjutsu truly is. He is without a doubt a true teacher, and it goes without saying that we will be looking forward to bringing Sensei back again.”

Vote Esteban Head Instructor Meishinkan Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

“Dragon Fencing Academy and Tokumeikan have an integral partnership since 2006. Dragon Fencing Academy is one of the only sword schools in Toronto that offer both Western and Eastern swordsmanship. Our mutual partnership with Tokumeikan, makes the Dragon Fencing Academy synonymous with excellence and expert instruction in sword fighting and the sword arts.”

Stanley Yee Principal Dragon Fencing Academy Richmond Hill, Canada

“Thank you for participating in Northern Anime Festival as a presenter. It is the devotion from guests such as you that help create successful events such as Northern Anime Festival. Your participation in showing Japanese sword techniques helped aid Northern Anime Festival in achieving its goal to present to our community Japanese Culture and Arts, this we are grateful to have had you at our event.”

Mark W. Hamilton Organizing Committee Northern Anime Festival Oshawa, Canada

“Thank you for the opportunity to share your knowledge of kenjutsu with us. It has been a couple days since the seminar and I find myself thinking about how much information we received in a relatively short timeframe! It was a wonderful introduction to Katori Shinto Ryu and your teaching style. I also really appreciated your discussion and showing of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu and other styles as well. It was really nice to get first hand exposure to different theories of movement and technique in such a friendly setting. I greatly enjoyed the seminar and speak for all the students in saying that we would love to have you back again.”

Jeremy Deman Head Instructor Ottawa Kenjutsu Ottawa, Canada

“Douglas Tong’s demonstration and workshops are a big hit with our convention attendees, and are a welcome addition to Anime North.”

Donald Simmons Head of Operations Anime North Toronto, Canada

“Tokumeikan’s ancient Japanese swordsmanship demonstrations and workshops were a highlight at our event. Your friendliness and professionalism surpassed our expectations and we would definitely recommend you for future performances. Thank you once again for your support of the Museums of Burlington. We look forward to working with you again.”

Valerie Amaral Special Events Assistant Museums of Burlington Burlington, Canada

“Working with Douglas was a great experience. He was more than helpful while I embarked on understanding the essence of Shintoism. Douglas and Tokumeikan embody the true mastery of Japanese Swordsmanship. Not only did he help in the research, by pointing me in the right direction to tell the story of the Japanese culture and Shintoism; the perfection of his art transcended the fundamental principles of Shintoism so we could ‘show’ them to our youth audience. They were ingrained flawlessly into his practice. Thank you again Douglas for all of your time and dedication! We would be delighted to work with you again.”

Danelene O’Flynn Producer-OMG Stornoway Productions Toronto, Canada

“It was a pleasure and a privilege having Sensei Tong introduce our students to the art of Kenjutsu. His knowledge and instruction of both the technical and philosophical aspects, as well as the history of the art, made the seminars incredibly enjoyable and educational. Sensei Tong’s dedication and genuine passion for Japanese swordsmanship was obvious from the beginning, and created an open and positive learning atmosphere. Having the opportunity to experience such a rare art form was a privilege that any martial artist would be lucky to have.”

Michael Fisher Owner/ Head Instructor Kushindokai Karate and Fitness Orangeville, Canada

“I am very grateful to Sensei Douglas Tong for travelling from so far away to come and share his extensive knowledge in Kenjutsu with our group. For us, it is an honor to follow the guidance of such a gentle and capable teacher. Over the week, our group received a great deal of information, techniques, and insights on this most famous of Japanese sword styles, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. In teaching us, Sensei Tong was patient and yet he was very thorough and precise. He transformed every moment of the training, enriching us not only technically but also spiritually. At different moments throughout our seminar, he gave us insights that were helpful in developing our understanding of technique, discussed the philosophy and spirit of the style, and shared anecdotes from his own training experiences in Japan which made this seminar something truly unforgettable. But most memorable of all, he shared with us his passion and his love for this art. I believe that I speak for everyone here at MusoDojo when I say that I hope that this first trip will become the start of something wonderful, a great tradition.”

Hector Bravo Muso Head Instructor Dojo Tijuana, Mexico

“Our recent seminar in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, that was instructed by Douglas Tong Sensei, is difficult to summarize in a paragraph. It is easy to see that Sensei Tong has a diverse and experienced background in Japanese sword arts, very much a living history. There was a great balance of the practical applications of Kenjutsu and also philosophical components that complimented each other towards a greater understanding of the art overall. Sensei Tong has a continuous teaching energy and is very focused on every student’s level of training. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this lineage of training and am very much looking forward to the next event.”

Kyle Kolodij Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Jodo Rai Un Kai Dojo (Canadian Kendo Federation) Shotokan Karate Dojo (Tsuruoka Karate Organization * Karate Ontario)