Art Classes Toronto

Midnight Martial Arts Presents: Jab–Cross!!!

## **Beginner Boxing Fundamentals** Midnight Martial Arts starts at midnight — so we’re meeting under the city lights for a late-night beginner boxing fundamentals session, under the lights of **Mel Lastman Square**. This first, very much **weather-dependent** meetup, is a simple, non-contact deep dive into one of the most important combinations in striking: **the jab–cross**. Whether you stand square, bladed, orthodox, southpaw, or you’re still figuring that out, we’ll break down the basics together: stance, guard, footwork, rhythm, balance, distance, and how the jab and cross work across different striking styles. ### **Why Mel Lastman Square at midnight?** Yeah, fair question. Since this is the very first event, I genuinely don't know if anyone will show up or ten. And honestly, even if I booked a world-class facility (Which would be kind of hard because most of them are closed), I'm not sure that would change the turnout for a first meetup. So for now I'm keeping it simple, free, and low-commitment — an open, well-lit public space where anyone who's curious can sign up and we can see if this thing has legs. If there's interest, finding a proper venue is the natural next step. ### **What this is not** This is not sparring. This is not a fight club. This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly technique lab for night owls, martial arts nerds, and curious people who want to move, learn, and talk technique in a low-pressure environment. ### **What we’ll cover** Basic boxing stance and guard How to throw a clean jab How to throw a clean cross How the jab and cross connect together Footwork, weight shift, rhythm, and distance Orthodox vs. southpaw basics A few style variations and discussion points ### **Got a martial arts rabbit hole you want to explore?** Bring it in. If there’s a specific boxing style, technique, or idea that connects to the jab–cross, feel free to share it during the session so we can work it into the discussion. A short video, a clear question, or a few notes can go a long way. If it’s about another area of martial arts like grappling, kicking, clinch, or anything outside the main theme. That’s welcome too, but we’ll try to save those bigger side quests for the end so we can keep the main session focused. I’m always happy to get into the weeds about these things, but I’m not an expert in every corner of martial arts, so a little context helps a lot; You might teach me something, and I'm here to learn too. **Time:** 12:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. **Location:** Mel Lastman Square **Safety and well-being are the are number one priority!!!**

Figure painting

Join our weekly figure drawing sessions where you will become familiar with human body anatomy, learn how to draw figures, and improve your sketching skills. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, we gather to practice figure drawing, develop artistic techniques, and connect with new friends who share a passion for art. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Korean Martial Arts (Casual Classes) - FREE

***\*\*\*This class is open to all levels, weather permitting; in an event of poor weather conditions class will be changed to a regular class\*\*\**** **Come workout, have fun, relieve your stress, and meet your fellow neighbours!** Welcoming interested people to join our FREE classes every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:30PM-4:30PM near Bathurst/Lake Shore area. Classes are led by our event organizer, Master **Dave Crook**, a seasoned 4th degree black belt Hapkido practitioner from a respected academy with many years of experience in this art and various others. **About this form of martial arts:** Hapkido is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. **How to join:** Join this group/event and directly message me with your interest. **Q: Is this completely FREE?** A: Yes, classes/lessons are completely FREE **Q: Do I require a gi/uniform to participate?** A: Gi is completely optional, only required when doing groundwork grappling/throw techniques **Q: Are there grading and belt progression?** A: Yes, there are grading and belts, which will cost $30 just to cover the cost, testing will done when YOU are comfortable and ready! **Current Martial Artists Belt Status:** 1x Masters - 4th Degree Black Belt 1x Yellow Belt (former red belt) 1x Yellow Stripe Belt 134x White Belts **Belt Colours - Progression in Descending Order:** * White Belt * Yellow Stripe Belt * Yellow Belt * Orange Stripe Belt * Orange Belt * Green Stripe Belt * Green Belt * Blue Stripe Belt * Blue Belt * Red Stripe Belt * Red Belt * Black Stripe Belt * Black Belt **Curriculum of Techniques** **White Belt to Yellow Stripe:** **Strikes (all strikes from left wrist grab, striking with right)** 1\. Sword Strike to Clavicle 2\. Nunchuk Strike to Temple 3\. Companion Sword Strike with Elbow Strike to Solar Plexus 4\. Spear Hand to Femoral Artery 5\. Palm Strike to Floating Rib 6\. Spear Hand to Trachea **Breakaways (all breakaways from right wrist grab)** 1\. Latissimus Dorsi push with bucking back fist 2\. When pulled with bucking back fist 3\. When pushed with bucking back fist 4\. Downward break away with elbow strike 5\. Live\-hand tricept push up with elbow strike 6\. Assisted tricept push\-up with elbow strike **Take Downs (performed both sides)** 1\. Pivot throw Joint Locks (all joint locks from right wrist grab) 1\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 2\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 45 degrees 3\. One inch bow 4\. Side wrist lock \- bend elbow 5\. Side elbow lock 6\. Elbow lock controlled **Escapes From Mounted Position (all from opponent on mount position - performed both sides)** 1\. Escape to Mount 2\. Escape to Guard 3\. As punches are received \- buck \- single arm hook \- roll 4\. As punches are received \- buck \- shoulder walk \- two arm hook \- guard 5\. Escape when head is locked 6\. Escape when head is locked with high mount **Kicks (both sides)** 1\. Side kick **To learn more about Hwa Won Yue Hapkido visit our website here:** http://www.hapkidohwawonyue.ca/toronto.html#

Indoor Draw & Sketch Hangout - MaRS Discovery District

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon sketching hangout at the MaRS Building food court tables- Enter MaRS from Collage Street where the statue of two men are sitting by the glass doors. Turn left and head down the escalator. Turn left at the bottom of the escalator and head down the hall past another escalator and Foosball table the event will be held at the far end of the food court. **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Please bring your art supplies. Digital tablet, dry mediums, watercolour set, really anything that doesn't smell and is non toxic and easy to clean up. Please be considerate and leave the space as clean as it was before. Feel free to grab a drink or snack if you'd like. *Note the food court is closed but there are a couple of coffee shops in the area at street level. **Where to meet exactly?** MaRS Discovery District at 2pm **How to get there?** \- Public transit \- get off at Queens Park subway station\, walk East along Collage you should see glass doors with a statue of two men sitting at a table outside\. Instructions stated above Looking forward to meeting you all :) ================ **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

Korean Martial Arts (Regular Classes) - FREE

**Come workout, have fun, relieve your stress, and meet your fellow neighbours!** Welcoming interested people to join our FREE classes every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:30PM-4:30PM near Bathurst/Lake Shore area. Classes are led by our event organizer, Master **Dave Crook**, a seasoned 4th degree black belt Hapkido practitioner from a respected academy with many years of experience in this art and various others. **About this form of martial arts:** Hapkido is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. **How to join:** Join this group/event and directly message me with your interest. **Q: Is this completely FREE?** A: Yes, classes/lessons are completely FREE **Q: Do I require a gi/uniform to participate?** A: Gi is completely optional, only required when doing groundwork grappling/throw techniques **Q: Are there grading and belt progression?** A: Yes, there are grading and belts, which will cost $30 just to cover the cost, testing will done when YOU are comfortable and ready! **Current Martial Artists Belt Status:** 1x Masters - 4th Degree Black Belt 1x Yellow Belt (former red belt) 1x Yellow Stripe Belt 134x White Belts **Belt Colours - Progression in Descending Order:** * White Belt * Yellow Stripe Belt * Yellow Belt * Orange Stripe Belt * Orange Belt * Green Stripe Belt * Green Belt * Blue Stripe Belt * Blue Belt * Red Stripe Belt * Red Belt * Black Stripe Belt * Black Belt **Curriculum of Techniques** **White Belt to Yellow Stripe:** **Strikes (all strikes from left wrist grab, striking with right)** 1\. Sword Strike to Clavicle 2\. Nunchuk Strike to Temple 3\. Companion Sword Strike with Elbow Strike to Solar Plexus 4\. Spear Hand to Femoral Artery 5\. Palm Strike to Floating Rib 6\. Spear Hand to Trachea **Breakaways (all breakaways from right wrist grab)** 1\. Latissimus Dorsi push with bucking back fist 2\. When pulled with bucking back fist 3\. When pushed with bucking back fist 4\. Downward break away with elbow strike 5\. Live\-hand tricept push up with elbow strike 6\. Assisted tricept push\-up with elbow strike **Take Downs (performed both sides)** 1\. Pivot throw Joint Locks (all joint locks from right wrist grab) 1\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 2\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 45 degrees 3\. One inch bow 4\. Side wrist lock \- bend elbow 5\. Side elbow lock 6\. Elbow lock controlled **Escapes From Mounted Position (all from opponent on mount position - performed both sides)** 1\. Escape to Mount 2\. Escape to Guard 3\. As punches are received \- buck \- single arm hook \- roll 4\. As punches are received \- buck \- shoulder walk \- two arm hook \- guard 5\. Escape when head is locked 6\. Escape when head is locked with high mount **Kicks (both sides)** 1\. Side kick **To learn more about Hwa Won Yue Hapkido visit our website here:** http://www.hapkidohwawonyue.ca/toronto.html#

Weekends - Group Dance Classes at Access Ballroom

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

Weeknights - Group Dance Classes at Access Ballroom

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

JULY Art Crawl: We tour 3 Private galleries -- St Clair West ($10 per person)

The *stars* have lined up and we will continue our monthly **Art Crawls** into JULY (Visiting galleries/artist run centres on **St. Clair Ave West** for the **first time** as a group) These 3 spaces are 'risk takers and pushing the boundries' ***Please read everything over first. $10 per person via e-transfer*** Saturday JULY 4th (2:00pm-3:30pm) **Note:** this is the first Saturday of JULY--perhaps a long weekend for some of you? I have space for about 12 people. **$10 per person.** **\*\*\*Sent via e-transfer when you signup/rsvp.** ***You're NOT confirmed until then.*** ***We will visit/tour 3 different/new*** galleries/collectives each month (short walks between each one). **\*\*\*\*\*This ART walk will be along St. Clair Ave West (Dufferin area) About 1 km of walking.** \*\*We'll meet the Gallery owners/artists/directors--who will lead us in 20 minutes of tour and conversation at each stop. --NO cancellations/no refunds or any re-scheduling. We go rain or shine. Interested in ART/artists--**and learning/visiting the exceptional local private art galleries we have in Toronto..** (we've already visited/connected with 30 art galleries since January 1) *Saturday JULY 4th* **(2:00pm-3:30pm)** Once I have 12 confirmations from Meetup members (you)--I will email you the location/route of our ART Crawl!! Next week. ***This walk/tour will be along St Clair West (Dufferin/Lansdowne) community--visiting some hidden gems! Unique spaces! Interesting projects.*** If interested, **please email me $10 when you signup.** *Include your first name only*, and the BEST email address for a reply. I will then confirm you. And confirm up our itinerary in a week or so. See you on JULY 4th! Or before. $10 per person You can email (e-transfer) me directly here: **torontoisculture@gmail,com** Greg Thanks. (Possible post ART Crawl drink spot...https://truehistorybeer.com/home)

Watercolour Painting Meetup

Join us for a relaxed and creative watercolour meetup at a local café. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, all skill levels are welcome. Each session will begin with brief introductions, followed by a short overview of watercolour techniques and optional theme ideas to spark inspiration. From there, you’re free to settle in and paint—either alongside the group or in your own corner of the café, depending on seating. We’ll wrap up the meetup by coming back together for a casual show-and-tell, where anyone who’d like can share their work. The meetup is free if you bring your own supplies. If you need materials, a $5 fee will cover basic watercolour supplies. Come unwind, experiment, and connect with others through art.

Photography 101 - 7 Weeks - Hands On

Fashion Implied/ Fine Art w/ Illyria Wulf from Salt Lake City

Natural Light - Boudoir/ Fine Art- w/ OhhhKerry