Respect all.Fear none.
Traditional karate that builds focused, confident kids and stronger, calmer adults. Taught on Ash Street since 1992 by a 6th dan who trained at the Japan Karate Association HQ.
Who's training?
First class is free. Monday and Wednesday evenings.
- 1992On Ash Street since
- 6th danFounder trained at JKA HQ
- Black beltsCertified instructors
- 4 to adultClasses split by age
The skills you can't download onto a screen.
You want a kid who can focus at school, stand tall in a room full of strangers, and say no when it counts. Karate trains exactly that, twice a week, in a dojo built on respect.
- 01
Shy or clingy?
They learn to stand in front of a class and speak up. One mom watched her once "cling-to-my-leg shy" four-year-old lead the class through the student creed.
- 02
Can't sit still?
Focus and concentration are practised every class. It is the improvement parents report most.
- 03
Lives on a screen?
Real fitness and athleticism: strength, speed, flexibility, motor skills and muscle memory.
- 04
Worried about bullying?
Bully prevention, respect for others, and the confidence to say "No" to negative peer pressure.
- 05
Gives up easily?
A goal every term, stripes to earn, and a belt exam to work toward. Winners never quit.
Every age trains with its own age.
Kids at different ages have different interests and abilities, so we never put all ages on the floor together. Pick your level.
Kids 4 to 7First Belts
Games built over the years to teach fitness, athleticism and first karate techniques, with stripes to chase.
Kids 8 to 12Real Karate
Classical karate and self-defence in a positive, safe setting. Discipline, respect and a belt goal every term.
Ages 13+Teen & Adult
Newcomer friendly training for body and mind. Self-defence, strength, flexibility and focus, at your level.
Three steps. Zero pressure.
Never set foot in a dojo? Perfect. This is exactly how it goes.
Book a free intro
Tell us who's training, then pick a Monday or Wednesday that suits you. It takes about a minute.
Come to the dojo
3140 Ash Street, next to the church building at Saint Mary's rec centre. Walk into the training area a few minutes early.
Try it 2 to 4 weeks
Like it? Join a short trial program, usually at a discounted rate. No long-term commitment required to start.
Learned from the Japanese masters. Taught on Ash Street.
In 1992, Sensei Ramin Emami opened The Powerhouse after several years of training at the Japan Karate Association HQ, where he learned karate from the Japanese masters and the Japanese national team.
Today he holds a 6th dan black belt, and the dojo still teaches the traditional Shotokan way: kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), graded every term against a written syllabus. Shotokan is the most widely practiced karate style in the world.
The words every student learns by heart.
Every Powerhouse student learns the creed and the dojo kun. It is what we mean by discipline.
- I am a martial artist.
- I will develop myself, mentally and physically, to the highest level.
- I will overcome any challenge with patience and self-discipline.
- I will never give up on my goals.
- I am dedicated. I am motivated.
- I respect all, and… fear none.
Shy kids. Busy parents. Real change.
From the parents of four-year-olds to adults training for their black belt. Read all reviews
★★★★★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!
★★★★★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.
★★★★★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 am now training for my black belt.
My child is only 4. Is that too young?
No. Our 4 to 7 group trains with games and exercises built over the years to be fun and to teach real skills: fitness, athleticism and very basic karate.
I'm out of shape. Should I get fit first?
No. Most people start karate to get fit. Intensity is adjustable, so you work at your level without too much pressure. New adults begin in their own 30-minute trial class.
Do I have to sign a long contract?
No. Start with a free intro and a 2 to 4 week trial. After that you choose: a 6-month commitment, or a short-term membership you can cancel with 60 days' notice.
Your first class is free.
Monday and Wednesday evenings at 3140 Ash Street. Tell us who is training and pick a time.
- Free intro class, then a 2 to 4 week trial program
- Age-specific classes: 4 to 7, 8 to 12, teens and adults
- No long-term commitment required to start
Questions first? Call (604) 812-3656
Who's training?
Pick the class. Next you choose a Monday or Wednesday.