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
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
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)
November 23, 2024
Grading day
– 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!
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.
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?
- Super affordable rates
- A six-day schedule offering lots of flexibility
- A welcoming community
- 25+ years teaching experience
- High-quality instruction that includes lessons on Japanese culture and history
- Traditional Okinawan training
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.