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About the dojoA traditional dojo. A modern training system.
The Powerhouse is a traditional karate dojo focused on Shotokan style karate in Vancouver, serving the community since 1992.
Sensei Ramin Emami, 6th dan.
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.
Students describe his teaching as passionate, structured and personal: he assesses each student individually and tailors guidance to their level, and he makes the serious training fun.
Black belts trained in life skills, too.
At The Powerhouse, our classes are led by a team of certified black belts who bring more than karate expertise. Trained in both martial arts and essential life skills, our instructors focus on the mental as well as the physical aspects of karate, setting us apart from a typical martial arts school.
We take pride in our Training System, developed over years of experience, trial and refinement. It is designed to provide effective programs for all ages and fitness levels, so every student can grow, learn and succeed in a supportive environment.
Students learn goal setting, planning, dedication, commitment and self-discipline, and every term starts with setting goals and laying down a plan.
Shotokan, the most widely practiced karate style in the world.
The main program at The Powerhouse is Shotokan karate, taught in the JKA style. Our name for it is karate-do: the way of the empty hand.
Kihon
Basics. Stances, punches, blocks, kicks and strikes, drilled until they are second nature.
Kata
Formal forms, from Taikyoku Shodan and the Heian kata to Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Empi and Jion.
Kumite
Sparring, built up from five-step and one-step drills to semi-free and free sparring.
Age-specific classes
4 to 7, 8 to 12, and teens and adults. We don't believe in having all ages train together.
Every three months, a new goal.
Each term is 3 months long. Around week 5 or 6, students take an informal tip-test and earn black stripes for picking up the new material. With at least one black stripe, they sign up for the belt exam at the end of the term. The last week of every term is a rest week while results and report cards are prepared.
3140 Ash Street, Vancouver.
We are located next to the church building, at Saint Mary's rec centre, in Central Vancouver near Fairview.
Lockers are downstairs. Parents wait upstairs, and families get changed in the change rooms downstairs.
Challenge your limits.
Newcomers start with a free intro class. Come see the dojo for yourself.