Nanaimo Shotokan Karate-Do Association

06/29/2026

06/28/2026

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FUNAKOSHI SENSEI'S 20 PRECEPTS – THE WAY OF TRUE KARATE

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, taught that karate is far more than punches, kicks, and physical strength. Through his famous "Niju Kun" or Twenty Precepts, he left behind a timeless philosophy for all martial artists and for humanity itself.

These principles remind us that true karate begins with respect and ends with respect. A karateka must seek justice, practice humility, and continuously improve both character and technique. Victory is not merely defeating an opponent; it is overcoming fear, ego, anger, and weakness within ourselves.

Funakoshi believed that the spirit must always come before technique. Physical skill without discipline and moral values is meaningless. Every challenge in life is an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Karate is not confined to the dojo. The lessons learned during training—respect, perseverance, courage, patience, and self-control—must be practiced every day in our homes, workplaces, and communities. A true martial artist remains calm under pressure, adapts to changing circumstances, and never stops learning.

The Twenty Precepts teach us to maintain balance between hard and soft, action and reflection, strength and kindness. They remind us that the journey of karate is lifelong. Every training session, every failure, and every success becomes part of our path toward self-mastery.

As martial artists, we should strive not only to become stronger fighters but also better human beings. This is the true spirit of Karate-Do—the Way of the Empty Hand.

Train with passion. Live with honor. Walk the path with humility.

04/28/2026

April 27, 2026 Just a quick update on training/non-training nights at Departure Bay School gym.
There is no training on these days:

May 8 - Friday - NO TRAINING

Monday, May 11 – for Green Belts & up only – no beginners

May 18 - Monday - Stat. Holiday

May 22 – Friday - NO TRAINING

Friday, June 12th last day of training at the school – enjoy your 2 weeks off.
Summer training:

July 7th Tuesday is the first night of summer training at Oliver Woods on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We have the Salal room #1 upstairs from 7 to 8 pm until Thursday, August 27th. Training with air conditioning is cool!

We will return to Departure Bay Elementary in September.

Thanks to everyone for supporting our club and to Sensei Doug & Sempai Mark for training us!

From Cindy, Secretary of Nanaimo Shotokan Karate-Do Club

Send a message to learn more

10/30/2025

Friday Oct. 31st, no training... We are gone trick and treating...

10/16/2025

UPDATE: Departure Bay School gym is not available for us on Monday, Oct. 20th and Wednesday, 22nd. We are booked at Park Avenue school gym at 395 EIGHTH ST. (off of Bruce Avenue in Harewood) from 7 to 8:30 (same time). Maybe google it before then. We have trained there before.

TRAINING - There is no training, Friday Oct 24th.

TRAINING - There is no training, Friday Nov 14th.

10/11/2025

Thank you to those who have been training hard with us!!
Contact us if you want to learn traditional Shotokan karate.

TRAINING - There is no training on Monday, October 13th, Friday

UPDATE: Departure Bay School gym is not available for us on Monday, Oct. 20th and Wednesday, 22nd. We are booked at Park Avenue school gym at 395 EIGHTH ST. (off of Bruce Avenue in Harewood) from 7 to 8:30 (same time). Maybe google it before then. We have trained there before.

TRAINING - There is no training, Friday Nov 14th.

Cindy, Secretary
NANAIMO SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

09/08/2025

Back to our regular schedule starting tonight! See you at Departure Bay Elementary School at 7:00pm! 🥋

09/07/2025

Starting tomorrow we are back at Departure Bay Elementary School! 🥋

Adults: Mondays, Wed. & Fridays from 7:00 to 8:30pm.
Kids train 7 to 8 pm on Monday & Wednesdays.

Beginners are welcome Get your first three classes FREE!

08/20/2025