Transform your life with karate.
Age-specific classes for kids from 4, teens and adults, led by Sensei Ramin Emami, 6th dan, and a team of certified black belts. Karate, and the life skills that come with it.
- 1992Serving Vancouver
- 6th danFounding sensei
- 4 to adultAge-specific classes
Classes built for each age, never all ages at once.
Kids at different ages have different interests and abilities, so we don't put them on the floor together. Every student trains with their own level, on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
L1Kids Karate
Exercises and games designed over the years to be fun and build real skills: fitness, athleticism and the very first karate techniques.
L2Kids Karate
Classical karate and self-defence in a positive, safe setting. Discipline, respect and confidence, with a belt goal every term.
L3Teen & Adult Karate
Newcomer friendly training for body and mind. Self-defence, strength, flexibility and focus, at your own level.
Learned from the Japanese masters. Taught on Ash Street.
The Powerhouse was established in 1992 by Sensei Ramin Emami, a 6th dan black belt, who came to Canada after several years of training at the Japan Karate Association HQ, where he learned karate from the Japanese masters and the Japanese national team.
More than three decades later, the dojo still teaches the traditional Shotokan curriculum: kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), graded every term against a written syllabus.
Life skills, trained like technique.
Our classes are led by certified black belts trained not only in karate, but in a number of valuable life skills that set The Powerhouse apart from a typical karate school. We put real weight on the mental side of karate.
We are proud of our Training System, refined over the years through a lot of trial and error, with programs that work for different ages and fitness levels. Goal setting is built into every program.
- Self-discipline & self-control
- Focus & concentration
- Strength, speed & flexibility
- Self-confidence
- Goal setting & planning
- Respect for others
The creed every student learns.
Every Powerhouse student learns the student creed and the dojo kun. One parent wrote that her once shy four-year-old now stands in front of her classmates to lead them through it.
Read the full terminology sheet →- I am a martial artist.
- I intend to develop myself, mentally and physically, to the highest level, and to avoid anything that would reduce my health or progress.
- I will overcome any challenges with patience and self-discipline, and will never give up on my goals.
- I am dedicated, I am motivated, I am a martial artist. I respect all, and… fear none.
Every term ends on the floor: belt exams, report cards, and a new goal for the next three months.
In their words.
From the parents of four-year-olds to adults training for their black belt. Read more reviews →
★★★★★Confidence, assertiveness, focus, body literacy, self-defence, leadership, and friendly competition and sportsmanship. These are the qualities we wanted to encourage in our two girls, ages 4 and 7. We chose the Powerhouse for the Sensei's extensive teaching experience (25+ years) and his Shotokan karate program designed specifically for children. Eight months after joining, my youngest, once cling-to-my-leg shy, stands proudly in front of her classmates to lead them through the student creed. My eldest has found confidence and an ability to lead that I had always hoped for her. My husband and I joined the dojo a few months after our kids. We have never been in such good shape!
★★★★★When I joined your dojo I had COPD, I was obese and out of shape. My first class with you I couldn't even run around the small room once. You followed me out to tell me to do what I could and I would get better. I stopped smoking and continued to come back. I am now training for my black belt. Thank you for saving my life and giving me a passion for karate.
★★★★★Sensei Ramin is great with kids. He's able to instill discipline and respect in a setting that's fun, something that my 5 year old enjoys! Which is not easy to do :) The work ethic my son's developing is much appreciated.
Compete, train as a family, or sweat it out.
Sport karate, family classes and fitness kickboxing are part of the Powerhouse curriculum alongside our core karate classes.
Monday & Wednesday evenings.
All classes are 45 minutes, except the 30-minute adult trial class, where new adults start. We follow 3-month terms with a one-week break after exams, and we are closed on statutory holidays.
| Time | Class (Monday & Wednesday) |
|---|---|
| 5:00 to 5:45 PM | L1Kids KarateAges 4 to 7 |
| 5:45 to 6:30 PM | L2Kids KarateAges 8 to 12 |
| 6:00 to 6:30 PM | TrialAdult Karate Trial ClassAges 13+, for newcomers |
| 6:30 to 7:15 PM | L3Teen & Adult KarateAges 13+, regular class (not for trials) |
Take a class on a test drive.
Newcomers start with a free intro class, then a short trial program before deciding on anything.
- Address3140 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3C9
Next to the church building, at Saint Mary's rec centre. - Phone(604) 812-3656
- Emailpowerhouseoffice@gmail.com
- ClassesMonday & Wednesday, 5:00 to 7:15 PM