Shaolin-Tzu Martial Arts Academy

Shaolin-Tzu Martial Arts Academy Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Do, Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujitsu and Kobujutsu Dojo. Chi-Gung, Tai Chi, Okinawan weapon

Our instructors and students were grateful to travel over from Vancouver Island for a day of training with the Vancouver...
09/02/2026

Our instructors and students were grateful to travel over from Vancouver Island for a day of training with the Vancouver Dojo, hosted and organized by Sensei Trottier.

Hanshi Mark led sessions on the Bo and Tanbo, exploring fundamental waza and principles of balance, distance, space, and versatility. The morning session at Trafalgar Park was especially enjoyable, with beautiful weather and a peaceful outdoor setting.Most importantly, it was a great opportunity to reconnect, collaborate, and share our training with one another.

The day also provided an occasion to acknowledge Sensei Trottier receiving his DNBK dan certification from Hanshi Mark, at his dojo in front of his students. We commend Sensei Trottier for his continued efforts and dedication, and congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement.

Thank you to Sensei Trottier for organizing and hosting the seminar, and to Hanshi Mark for sharing his instruction and knowledge. We truly appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to train together.

Big congratulations to everyone on their recent promotions at the Grading ceremony. The kyu and rank are not given light...
07/06/2026

Big congratulations to everyone on their recent promotions at the Grading ceremony. The kyu and rank are not given lightly and reflect a commitment and a deep respect for the art. A special congratulations to all the recipients

During class, Sensei shared the metaphor of the iceberg. People often only see what rises above the surface: the visible achievement, the new promotions or the polished technique. But beneath the water lies the iceberg's true nature and strength: a vast, solid foundation built over time, unseen by others. Karatedo is the same. A promotion is only the visible tip. What truly matters are the discipline, perseverance, humility, and character that form the foundation beneath it.

Each of you has shown true dedication to your training and your hard work has clearly paid off. Congratulations on these well deserved achievements.

The dojo grading represent a journey of commitment, discipline, and growth. It is about learning more about yourself and...
06/19/2026

The dojo grading represent a journey of commitment, discipline, and growth. It is about learning more about yourself and the continual development of one's character. Sensei Mark said "The grading is a lesson of self reflection regardless of a pass or a fail." Congratulations to all who participated and gave it their all!

We would like to thank Sensei Dan Antonsen from Naha, Okinawa, for a great seminar at our dojo. Sensei Antonsen is a lon...
03/26/2026

We would like to thank Sensei Dan Antonsen from Naha, Okinawa, for a great seminar at our dojo. Sensei Antonsen is a long-time friend and martial arts colleague of Sensei Mark. His martial arts skills are of a high caliber, and he brings a wealth of knowledge in traditional Okinawan martial arts culture.

His main style is Meibukan Goju Ryu, training under Akihito Yagi and Meitatsu Yagi (direct lineage to Miyagi Chojun). He also trains in Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan under Tamayose Hidemi.

Sensei Antonsen, Sensei Mark, and Sensei Lindsay all trained under O’Sensei Richard Kim in the 1980s and 90s - a rare moment to come together again over 40 years later.

We would also like to thank Sensei Martin and Sensei Usatch for attending with their students.

Kagami Biraki 2026Last Saturday, we hosted a Kagami Biraki event to mark the beginning of the new training year. The eve...
02/01/2026

Kagami Biraki 2026

Last Saturday, we hosted a Kagami Biraki event to mark the beginning of the new training year. The event began with opening remarks from Hanshi Mark, followed by an explanation of the significance of Kagami Biraki by Nolen, who also read a letter from Hanshi Sakamoto, Chair of DNBKID.

The day continued with four training sessions led by Hanshi Mark, Kyoshi Miska, Renshi Usatch and Renshi Lindsay. The event was both successful and meaningful, offering valuable training and an opportunity to begin the year with renewed focus, shared spirit, and positive intention.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all Sensei and Senpai for their guidance and instruction, and to all students for their participation and commitment. A special thank you to Sensei Trottier and his students who came over from the mainland to join us. We hope everyone enjoyed the event, gained new insights, and begins the training year with renewed motivation and dedication.
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About Kagami Biraki

Kagami Biraki, or Mirror Opening, is a traditional New Year observance in Japanese culture and in martial arts. It originates from the custom of offering kagami mochi during the New Year period and later sharing it as a gesture of gratitude, good wishes, and hopes for health and happiness in the year ahead.

In the martial arts tradition, Kagami Biraki represents the first official training of the year. It is a time to renew one’s budo spirit, reflect honestly on personal practice, set meaningful training goals, and strengthen our connection with fellow practitioners as we move forward together.

Big congratulations to Nolen, Jon, and Carey on their recent promotions!• Nolen – Shodan Kobudo• Jon – Shodan Kobudo• Ca...
12/18/2025

Big congratulations to Nolen, Jon, and Carey on their recent promotions!
• Nolen – Shodan Kobudo
• Jon – Shodan Kobudo
• Carey – Yondan Karatedo

These ranks are not given lightly. They represent years of commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Each of you has shown true dedication to your training and deep respect for the art, and your hard work has clearly paid off. Congratulations on these well-deserved achievements!

The grading ceremony is a chance to celebrate students' progress and reflect on our own journey as martial artists. Cong...
10/28/2025

The grading ceremony is a chance to celebrate students' progress and reflect on our own journey as martial artists. Congratulations to everyone who participated, your dedication and growth are truly inspiring!

Congratulations to Corbin and Jon on achieving the ranks of Yondan (4th-degree black belt) and Nidan (2nd-degree black b...
07/29/2025

Congratulations to Corbin and Jon on achieving the ranks of Yondan (4th-degree black belt) and Nidan (2nd-degree black belt), respectively. This accomplishment reflects your dedication, discipline, and years of hard work. Your success is truly well deserved.

We had a successful and memorable Spring 2025 grading event.This grading was particularly special, as it featured a wide...
05/16/2025

We had a successful and memorable Spring 2025 grading event.

This grading was particularly special, as it featured a wide range of ranks, from sixth-kyu yellow belt all the way to fifth-degree black belt (Godan). It was truly inspiring for our newer students to witness the full journey of martial arts progression, and to see firsthand what can be achieved through consistent training, dedication, and perseverance.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in their grading - you all did a fantastic job. Your hard work and commitment were clearly evident. Keep training with focus and spirit.

On Saturday, March 29, our dojo hosted a DNBK format RyuKyu Kobudo seminar with a focus on Bo jutsu and Jo jutsu.Followi...
04/16/2025

On Saturday, March 29, our dojo hosted a DNBK format RyuKyu Kobudo seminar with a focus on Bo jutsu and Jo jutsu.

Following the traditional DNBK format, the event commenced with an formal opening kata presentation (Harae no Gi) by Renshi Miska, who demonstrated Nobori Ryu No Jo Sho.

Following this, participants engaged in training sessions designed to accommodate a wide range of experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced Kobudo practitioners. To ensure effective instruction, participants were divided into smaller groups, allowing instructors to tailor the training to the specific needs and experience levels of each group.

The seminar concluded with a formal closing kata presentation (Osamae no Gi) by Hanshi Mark, who performed Oyadomari No Kon, leaving everyone inspired.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Sensei Kightly, Sensei Trottier, Renshi Usatch, and all members of your respective dojos (Island Aikido, Vancouver Traditional Martial Arts Dojo, and CARSA Shorinji-Ryu Academy) for your participation and support. We hope you found the seminar both enjoyable and beneficial to your practice.

We look forward to welcoming many of you at future seminars. Until then, keep training and refining what you have learned.

Address

4146 Tyndall Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8N3R8

Opening Hours

Monday 5:45pm - 8pm
Wednesday 5:45pm - 8pm
Friday 5:45pm - 8pm

Telephone

+12508129515

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