Frequently asked questions.

Yes. For our youngest group (4 to 7 years) we have developed a number of exercises and games over the years that are specifically designed to deliver valuable skills and be fun at the same time. They focus on general fitness and athleticism, as well as very basic karate techniques.

Our classes are age specific: 4 to 7 years, 8 to 12 years, and teens and adults. Kids at different ages have different interests and capabilities, so we don't believe in having all ages train together at the same time.

Students usually attend 1 to 3 sessions per week. For newcomers, we recommend 2 sessions a week. If 2 sessions isn't doable, 1 a week is OK for some time. We go over membership options during your intro.

No. There are a few options. You can start with a 6-month commitment, or go with a short-term membership, which you may cancel with 60 days' notice.

Yes. Newcomers usually start with a free intro, and then a 2 to 4 week trial program, usually offered at a discounted rate.

People usually pick up karate to help them get fit. Karate is a proven, effective training system for improving athleticism and fitness, the self-defence aspect aside. The intensity of exercises is adjustable to match everyone's capabilities without too much pressure.

Karate technically revolves around self-defence skills, so you will find a lot of useful skills that could come in handy for protecting yourself if you ever face a violent attacker.

Fill out the trial class form and pick a time. Or send us an email with the name and age of the student and your preferred start date, and we will contact you to arrange your first session.

We can arrange a call if you would like to speak with one of the instructors. Email us, ask for a call back, and suggest a time that works for you. The call will be made by WhatsApp.

The easiest way for us to answer your questions is by email: powerhouseoffice@gmail.com. You can also call (604) 812-3656.

Yes, but not regularly. If you have a child in our class, every once in a while we invite you to join our family classes so you can train with your child and learn how to train with your child effectively at home. Kids and parents love the experience of training together.

Parents who have their kids in our classes report:

• An improved sense of self-discipline and self-control
• Improved focus and ability to concentrate
• Improved overall fitness and athleticism: strength, speed, flexibility
• Improved self-confidence
• A better understanding of goal setting and planning for success

Generally, classes are designed to deliver a workout and to learn or polish a set of skills. Intensity is adjustable, so you can get more, or less, of a workout on any given day.

1. 2 sessions per weekAttended consistently.
2. Make a big deal of examsAnd of the ranks your child advances to.
3. Get involved yourselfYour child will be a lot more motivated, and accept training as a part of life, when they see you in a uniform too, even if you don't train as often. By training with us, even at a minimal level, you will learn what your child does in class and can help them train at home. Families who kick together, stick together!

Yes. When more than one person joins at the same time, you earn referral credit for the 2nd and 3rd members: a discount plus a free one-month course extension for each member who signs up for regular training. Ask us for the details.

The main program at The Powerhouse is Shotokan karate. The Powerhouse is known for karate in Vancouver, specializing in the Shotokan style. Shotokan is the most widely practiced karate style worldwide, with millions of followers.

Fitness kickboxing is part of our curriculum, but not a stand-alone program. FKB and pad work are fairly easy to learn: a fun alternative to typical karate classes, with a focus on fitness and sparring skills. If you are mainly interested in FKB, let us know and we will explain further.