Respect. Discipline. Confidence. Fitness. Fun.

Welcome to

Okotoks Karate

An affordable karate dojo in Okotoks, AB offering high-quality martial arts instruction and classes for all ages, with a focus on traditional Okinawan training

5/5
5 star rating on Google

September 3, 2024

Fall schedule resumes

Starting Sept. 3, the fall schedule commences. This means classes for 6-9 year olds will be divided into two classes based on belt colour/experience.

White belts/beginners –  5:30 to 6:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Yellow+ belts – 6:15 to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Homeschool class (Wednesdays) as well as family and weapons classes (Saturday) also start up again in the first week of September!

October 9, 2024

Happy anniversary to us!

Okotoks Karate is celebrating it’s 13th anniversary on Oct. 9, 2024. Thank you to everyone who is part of the Okotoks Karate family. You truly make this dojo great.

October 25, 2024

100 Kata for Karate Night

With our worldwide karate family, Okotoks Karate will be celebrating National 100 Kata Day and Karate Day by doing 100 kata on Oct. 25 – 5:30 to 8 pm. Please register at the dojo.
It’s an international event with thousands of dojo around the world taking part. 

October 29-30, 2024

Halloween Costume Nights

Wear your costume to class and get a treat!

October 31, 2024

Closed Halloween Night

The dojo will be closed so y’all can go tricking and/or treating. Happy Halloween, boys and ghouls!

November 11, 2024

Closed Remembrance Day

The dojo will be closed on November 11, 2024 in honour of Remembrance Day.

November 2, 2024

Fall Shiai (Tournament)

Mark your calendar: Okotoks Karate’s first fall tournament will take place Saturday, November 2. Students will face off in categories for Kobudo, Kata, Team Kata and Kumite.
More details coming soon!

November 23, 2024

Grading day

Students who are ready to grade are selected and notified by Sensei Steve. Letters containing grading requirements and other information will be given to students 1 month prior to their grading.
 
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
White and yellow belts – 10 am to 11:30 am
Orange to blue belts – 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Brown and black belts – 10 am to 3 pm
 
But, how does a sensei determine who is ready?
It actually comes down to more than just karate ability.
 

– Their level of commitment: How often do they attend class and practice?
– Their influence and behaviour in the dojo: Do they help their fellow students? Are they demonstrating a positive attitude or improving on non-technical fronts?
– Positive behaviour outside the dojo: Sometimes stories about progression or kindness at school or work are an indicator that the student is working hard to apply in-class lessons outside of class.

December 2024 - January 2025 (See dates)

Christmas Closures

The dojo will be closed:

December 24 – 26, 2024 – Merry Christmas!

January 1, 2025 – Happy new year!

Mark your calendar

News + events

Here’s the latest from Okotoks Karate.

You can also keep up with events and news via our socials.

About Okotoks Karate

Meet 'Sensei Steve'

Owner/Chief instructor

Steve Vinden has over 40 years of martial arts experience under his belt and 25 years as an instructor.

He teaches traditional Okinawan Karate, which is viewed as a way of life and a method of self defense, rather than a competitive sport.

Steve opened Okotoks Karate in November 2011. He is a proud father of two boys, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and has been an RMT since 1995.

Sensei Steve is phenomenal. He is very supportive and takes an interest in all of the kids. He has a wonderful sense of humour that they just love. Our son loves him so much that he wanted to model his haircut after him. The skills being taught go above and beyond karate.
Rita
Proud mom
All students are welcome

There's a class for all ages and skill levels

Ages 4-5

What a difference karate can make in the life of a youngster. Even the littlest members of the dojo will see improved focus, fitness, coordination, respect and much more, with this gentle and fun introduction.

Ages 6-9

Things get a little more focused with older children, as kids learn the true importance of discipline and respect in the dojo—and in life. Children start to master the more technical aspects of karate training.

Ages 10-15

It's not easy being a teen (or almost-teen) these days. At Okotoks Karate, adolescents build up the skills they need to become truly awesome adults: Discipline. Perseverance. Commitment. Confidence.

16+/Adults

Whether you're new to karate, picking up on a passion from years ago, or a practicing black belt, you'll fit right in. Don't let your age or fitness level stand in the way of self improvement. It's great exercise and super fun.

Looking to get started or learn more?

Solid training,
no gimmicks

Some dojos sell belts.
At Okotoks Karate, belts are earned.

So, what else sets us apart?

What's in it for me?
Discipline and focus

Karate emphasizes the importance of respect, self-control, and focus as students learn to actively listen, stay committed to their goals even when challenged or obstructed.

Self-defense skills

At Okotoks Karate, we teach practical, hands-on skills that are applicable in real-world situations. We're not about entering competitions; we're about teaching you to defend yourself so you don't lose a fight when there is no other option.

Fitness gains

Punching, kicking and blocking provides an amazing full-body workout! Karate improves heart health, muscle strength, tone, and increases flexibility.

Most of all, it's fun

Okotoks Karate is a welcoming, encouraging, positive environment. We want you (and your kids) to look forward to class—every time.. While we do take karate seriously, humour and fun play an important part in our dojo.

Everything is

OK .

Scroll to Top