250-212-8170
Way of Life Martial Arts
What you can expect from practicing & learning karate in this dojo...
Karate requires your time, perseverance and commitment.
You will find it will assist you in building balance into your life, physical training, mental health and strength of character.
Mastery of traditional karate is a lifelong pursuit, there will be many ups and downs - all part of the process of character and spirit building.
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Training consists of:
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Kihon - what we define as basics, they serve as the foundation
Kata - a very formal arrangement of many techniques...a balance of full power, soft and hard techniques, subtleties of breath-work, control of muscle tension, focus and determination
Kumite - fighting techniques with a valued and trusted partner - controlled and never full-contact
Throwing & Locking - learn to throw, fall, capture & escape from various holds and locks, all safely
Kobudo - weapons! - namely the Bo which is a wooden staff, as well as the Sai, a metal three pronged handheld weapon
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Read about Sensei Tina and Senpai below - call today to explore karate!
250-212-8170
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Classes, Fees & Free Trial
Adult (19+)
Youth (11-18)
Kids (4-10)
$80/Month
Tuesday & Thursday
6-7:30pm
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or $50/Month
Tuesday or Thursday
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$70/Month
Tuesday & Thursday
6-7:30pm
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or $50/Month
Tuesday or Thursday
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Call Sensei Tina to try out 3 free classes
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250-212-8170
$60/Month
Tuesday & Thursday
6-7:30pm
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or $40/Month
Tuesday or Thursday
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Sensei & Senpai
Sensei Tina Schade-Findlay
Sensei has been practicing karate since 1987. She has obtained a 5th degree black belt in Renshikan Karate, as well as 1st degree black in Shotokan:
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a member of the martial arts community in Kelowna for decades
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trained with Sensei Mah at Tom Mah school of karate, and with Sensei Kirschner at Tsuroka karate in the Parkinson Rec. Centre
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served as a tournament judge between the ages and 15-25
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member of the BC karate team for many years, competed and medalled in Nationals
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travelled to Japan twice to train with head Sensei's and dojos
Sensei Tina now dedicates her energy to teaching adults and children.
Senpai Diana
Senpai Diana has her second degree black belt in Renshikan Shito-ryu karate.
Diana began her martial arts training in 2000 in goju-ryu karate. Since then she has explored a variety of martial arts styles in cities across Canada and in Japan, including kung fu, jiu jitsu, kick-boxing, aikido, and traditional weaponry. She has experience with the sai, tonfa, escrima sticks, and nunchaku. Her favorite weapon is the bo.
Senpai Randy
Randy has been practicing karate since 2016 and earned his blue belt in 2023. With only brown and black belts remaining, he looks forward to deepening his understanding of the practice. He joined the dojo after sitting on the sidelines observing his daughter, and now, he embraces the challenges and rewards of martial arts as a lifelong practice.
Some of Randy's fondest memories so far include the Summer sessions and the surprise drop-ins from the head Senseis. He enjoys being part of the dojo’s community, helping teach, practice and learn alongside the kids and fellow adults.
Senpai Deiter
Senpai Dieter has extensive experience in both Judo and Karate, as well as weapons training.
Dojo, Seminars & Events
A collection of images to describe the Dojo, Summer camp highlights, competition awards and belt testing
Youth training their kicks with a heavy bag!
Katana & Senpai Dieter at a Summer training session
Randy, Fox & Kieran receiving their belt certification from Sensei
Youth earning medals at a local tournament
The littlest ones learning to stand at attention to listen to Sensei
Sensei getting her new foot back on the dojo floor
Group target practice
Proud medal earners from a local tournament
Afterschool program kids displaying their certifications
Can I try this for free?
Yes, you can try 3 classes for free! ...call ahead, and remember to wear loose fitting clothing, and bring a water bottle!
Is there risk of injury?
Our focus is on protecting ourselves, and each other. We practice both as individuals and with partners. Building skill and trust is essential. With all sports there is a risk of injury, but we make considerable efforts to keep everyone safe, and we do have band-aids at the ready.
What style of Karate will I learn?
Renshikan karate takes techniques, philosophies, kata and bunkai from Chito-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and Gojo-Ryu styles.
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Renshikan was created by Sensei David Akutagawa whose background began with Shito-Ryu and Shotokan styles. He later trained in the Chito-Ryu style and became vice-councillor for that style in Canada.
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In 1996 Sensei Akutagawa left Chito-Ryu and formed Renshikan (which is now under the umbrella of Shito-Ryu)
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Fun fact: Wikipedia lists Sensei Akutagawa under "notable practitioners", right beside Chuck Norris's name.
More questions? Give Sensei a call 250-212-8170