Pincher Creek Shorei-Kan Karate

12/29/2025

We've been asked about how our belt system works in this style of karate.

We have 4 belts - white, green, brown, black.

You start with white/0 stripe, then earn 1,2,3 stripes - then progress to green belt.

Green 1,2,3 stripes, then progress to brown 1,2,3 stripes.

Black belt comes after brown - 1st degree, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.

The kyu system works like this: 1 kyu is "last stage before black belt", 2 kyu "two stages", etc. You start at 10 kyu, subtracting a level until black belt.

12/29/2025

In 1996 I received my Shodan certification. This certificate, was in Toguchi's last years with us, so it is particularly special. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice, once in Surrey BC (1992) and once in Tokyo, Japan (1997). -Peter

12/29/2025

In 2026, we're celebrating 20 years of not-for-profit Karate Instruction in Pincher Creek! We offer traditional Okinawan Go-Ju Ryu non-competitive martial arts for people for ages 7 to adult for any fitness level to help you learn Self-Defense, Self-Betterment, Self-Discipline in a fun and relaxed environment for the whole family.

We accept new students at any time.

When: Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: The Annex (basement/side door) 753 Kettles Street

You can just “show up” for a practice and try for free.
Wear comfortable, loose clothes. Class sizes are small.

Contact us for more info. [email protected] or on our page at Pincher Creek Shorei-Kan Karate

Cost: current cost is $80 per student per 3-month session. (i.e. $26.67/mo) - We'll work with you if price is a barrier to participation.

Head Instructor: Peter Dressler has been practicing Shorei-Kan, Go-Ju Ryu Karate since 1991.

12/29/2025

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best in the New Year. Classes resume as normal on Tuesday, Jan 6th at the Annex at 6:30pm. See you there :)

Here is a link to the Shorei-Kan Canada Karate Association page, where you can find more info on each dojo and the history of this style of karate.

Shorei-Kan Karate was brought to Canada in 1972 and is currently headed by Vic Hargitt Shihan, 8th degree Black Belt.  Shorei-Kan teaches the Okinawan Goju Ryu style of Karate, meaning a hard/soft style taught in the school of politeness and respect.  It is an effective style of self-defence pract...

09/04/2025

Classes twice weekly. Tues/Thurs 6:30-8pm the Annex. :) try it out!

07/04/2025

July/August: classes every Tuesday at the Annex 6:30-8pm all welcome.

02/19/2025

Hello everyone! Did you know you can try out a karate class in your own clothing, or come and watch to see if it's right for you? We offer a laid back, inviting class for children age 7 and up, and families. Our style of karate is a perfect activity for you and your child to learn something new together. It's a great family bonding time activity, and a wonderful way to get some exercise and learn self-betterment. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday at the Annex in Pincher Creek, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. We look forward to meeting you!

02/10/2025

Celebrating 19 years of not-for-profit Karate Instruction in Pincher Creek! We offer traditional Okinawan Go-Ju Ryu non-competitive martial arts for people for ages 7 to adult for any fitness level to help you learn Self-Defense, Self-Betterment, Self-Discipline in a fun and relaxed environment for the whole family.

We accept new students at any time.

When: Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: The Annex (basement/side door) 753 Kettles Street

You can just “show up” for a practice and try for free. Wear comfortable, loose clothes. Or, Contact us for more info. [email protected] or on our page at Pincher Creek Shorei-Kan Karate - or send me a private message – Class sizes are small.

Cost: current cost is $80 per student per 3-month session. (i.e. $26.67/mo) - We'll work with you if price is a barrier to participation.

Head Instructor: Peter Dressler has been practicing Shorei-Kan, Go-Ju Ryu Karate since 1991.

11/29/2024

When we first met Liam, he was an ambitious just-turned-five year old who at the time was mimicking his older brothers and mother at the back of the dojo. Although our minimum starting age is officially 7, he joined into the class with his family at just 5 years old, and became Shorei-Kan's youngest ever black belt - just before his tenth birthday.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Liam's recent passing, and we are holding his family in our hearts.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/liam-hale-brain-cancer

I met Liam some years back, and have gotten to know him and his family since then. L… Logan Dejax needs your support for Liam Hale, Brain Cancer, 22 years old

09/04/2024

*** KARATE - NEW LOCATION - SAME TIME **

The Annex, 753 Kettles Street (former MD Building)
6:30-8pm Tues/Thurs

06/24/2024

Summer Classes - All Welcome. Thursday Evenings at THE DEN beside the Bargain Shop.

This class is taught by Peter Dressler of Pincher Creek Shorei-Kan Karate and will be running Thursday Evenings 6:30pm-8:00pm at THE DEN beside the Bargain Shop on Main Street. (will continue being twice a week in September). Shorei-Kan has been running classes since 2006 in the community, and do so in a not-for-profit mindset in that the small fees collected go towards insurance and the like. Peter has been part of Shorei-Kan Karate since 1991.

Shorei-Kan Karate focuses on self-defense rather than on tournaments and demonstrations. We strive only to become better for ourselves, and not for anyone else (we are not in competition). Go-Ju Ryu (the name of the style) translates to “hard-soft”, or rather, “softness controls hardness” This is a concept that can be applied to everyday life when choosing the battles we each try to face in our daily lives.

Martial Arts practice has been proven to build confidence, teambuilding, focus, control, and has even been proven to increase school marks in every subject.

This is a mixed age class, running Adults and Children at the same time (7+) We encourage, but don't require families to participate together. You may start any time. Classes are ongoing, and are quite small (meaning lots of one-on-one)

You may simply show up for a class, or contact us here for more information. Trying is always free. Fees are $50 per student per 3 month term.