Why Karate?

Karate is a complete system of mind and body development. The literal translation of karate is "empty hand". "Kara" is empty and "te" is hand. On the surface, karate is a martial art employing the use of the body, without the aid of weapons. It is a system of self-defence, physical exercise and a fighting method. Just as important as the physical training, karate is the development of the mind and character.

For students, karate will assist you in your studies, increase concentration, and manage your stress. Our homepage logo is Mushin or "Clear Mind". Clearing your mind is the true meaning of "kara"; empty your mind so you can learn, absorb and adapt. We practice traditional karate emphasizing mental and physical discipline and development.

We do not strike or make physical contact with another person with the intent to injure or harm. However, as in any martial or combative art, contact will occur with another person as a part of our normal training regime or in a tournament, e.g. through blocking, holding or otherwise, unintentional or by accident injury may occur. We stress control of techniques. While we offer the opportunity to participate in tournaments, competition is not required or mandatory as a part of belt advancement.

  BEGINNER CLASSES

Our beginner classes are dedicated to new members only, so you are not mixed with regular  members. This allows for specific instruction and you learn as a group. All those new to our club, regardless of previous martial arts training, are required to start in our beginner classes, unless you have previous training under the ISKF or JKA.

We practice traditional karate emphasizing mental and physical discipline and development.  We do not hit or make physical contact with another person with the intent to injure or harm. However, as in any martial or combative art, contact will occur with another person as a part of our normal training regime or in a tournament, e.g. by blocking, holding or otherwise, and injury may occur unintentionally or by accident. We stress control of techniques. While we offer the opportunity to participate in tournaments, competition is not required or mandatory as a part of belt advancement.

Interested in trying classes?

• First two (2) classes are free to try.

• Send us an e-mail to ask any questions at dalkarate@bellaliant.net.

• Pre-registration: Please email dalkarate@bellaliant.net to express your interest in joining and a Registration Form will be e-mailed to you with further instructions. There is no obligation for any fees until after the first two classes.

• Classes take place at the King's College gymnasium building, off Coburg Road, Halifax, either upstairs in the main gym or downstairs in the Aerobic/Fitness Centre.

• Come wearing comfortable workout clothing. The uniform (gi) may be purchased through the dojo, usually after a month of classes.

We offer three types of beginner classes:

1. ADULT-TEEN CLASSES 

Saturdays 10:15-11:30am starting Jan. 13 to April 13, 2024

Location: King's College gymnasium building, off Coburg Road, Halifax, upstairs in the main gym

          Fee:  $65 per person for the entire term

After the first term of beginner classes, the member is integrated into our regular intermediate classes at the standard fees of $65 per teenager/student and  $120 for an adult per each 4 month term. The fee includes 2 classes per week after the first term.

2. ADULT CLASSES (over 50YRS.)-SILVER CRANE

Our Silver Crane sessions are specially designed and supervised by older Karateka, with long years of Karate training, who aim to teach and practice traditional Shotokan techniques in a way tailored to the wisdom of years rather than the athleticism of youth. 

Rather than stressing low stances, high kicks and jarring impact, our classes will focus on practical applications and techniques. Students will experience karate’s many benefits--improved fitness, strength, balance and flexibility, as well as stress-reduction and increased focus and concentration. 

Those wishing to start karate in January, 2024 can take the Adult Teen Class on Saturdays for the first two months and then transition to Wednesday Silver Cranes Class

Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm starting Jan. 17, 2024 to April 17, 2024

Location: King's College gymnasium building, off Coburg Road, Halifax, downstairs in the Aerobic/Fitness Centre           

Fees:    $65 per person for the entire term

Please go to our Silver Crane section of this website under Beginners for more information.

3. YOUTH- PARENT/FAMILY YOUTH CLASSES (youth 8-12 yrs.)

Classes for youth (8-12 years) with the opportunity for parent(s) or adult family member to train with the youth. Classes are designed to be fun while learning self-defense, physical conditioning and developing focus of mind and body. Parents are encouraged to participate with your child. 

starting Sept. 21 to Dec. 21, 2024. After the first term of beginner classes, we offer an additional 4 month term Jan.-April, 2025 at the same time and fee rate,

Saturdays 10:00-10:50am.

Location: King's College gymnasium building, off Coburg Road, Halifax, downstairs in the Aerobic/Fitness Centre

Fees:    $65 per youth for the entire term

$120 for a family of 2 plus $30 per additional family member

Parents are encouraged to train with their children. A great family activity.

* Class size is limited. If you have further questions, please contact us via email at dalkarate@bellaliant.net

  DIRECTION to DOJO

Classes are in the King's College gymnasium, building, either in the gym or downstairs in the Aerobic Centre. Come off 6350 Coburg Road through the main stone gates of Dalhousie University onto Lord Dalhousie Drive. The King's College Gym building is the second building on the right, after the King's College Library. Parking is available in the lot between the Gym and the Dal Life Science Building. Go to the entrance of the building that faces the King's College Library. The door is usually locked. Pull on the door and the security will release the lock. Please do not leave your belongings in the change rooms and bring them into the dojo. 

DOJO HEALTH TRAINING RULES

All participants must abide by the following training rules which are in the best interest of all participants:

1. All participants must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus COVID-19 (“COVID-19”) according to NS Health guidelines.

2. You cannot attend a class if you have any COVID-19, flu or cold symptoms or if in the 10 days prior to a class, tested positive for COVID-19 or was a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

3. You must advise dalkarate@bellaliant.net if you test positive for COVID-19 within 3 days after a Class.

4. A mask may be required during training if mandated by the Dojo.

5. By participating in any training session/class or event you will be deemed to accept the following Declaration by Student and Waiver and Release:

Declaration by Student

Each individual, in its capacity or by its parent or legal guardian (the “Student”) attests that at the time prior to participating in any in person class or event (the “Class”), the Student:

(a) Is not experiencing any symptom of illness such as prolonged cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, or sore throat.

(b) Within 10 days prior to a class:

(i) Has not tested positive for COVID-19; and,

(ii) Does not believe the Student has been a close contact or exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the COVID-19.

WAIVER and RELEASE:

By participating in the Class and any future Class taught by Halifax International Shotokan Karate Federation and/or Halifax Karate Inc. (the “Dojo”), the Student agrees to the following terms and conditions:

A. The Student acknowledges that the Dojo cannot ensure that the Student will not become infected with the COVID-19 or any virus or bacteria (the “Contagion”) during participation in any Class but the Dojo has established rules and procedures to maintain training as safe as reasonably possible.

B. Each Student, on their own behalf and for their personal representative and heirs, hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless the Dojo, University of King’s College and Dalhousie University and their respective instructors, guest instructors, directors, and officers and their heirs and any personal representatives (collectively the “Releasees”) from and against any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for any personal injury, suffering, pain, discomfort, damage or loss to the Student and/or their property arising from the Student’s participation in any Class or that may be caused by any negligence, act, or failure to act of any of the Releasees and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Student waives any claims, actions demands against the Releasees arising from the Student contracting the Contagion or any illness following participating in any Class conducted by the Dojo. The said provision applies to University of King’s College and Dalhousie University as Releasees only if the Class is conducted on premises, facilities or grounds of University of King’s College or Dalhousie University, as the case may be.