Kaizen Dojo - Okinawan Karate And Kobudo

Proudly offering classical Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karatedo in North Edmonton since 2006.

Welcome to the Dojo Facebook page! We are foremost a classical Okinawan Goju-ryu karate dojo, proudly representing the Ryusyokai organization in Western Canada. The Ryusyokai, under Kancho Senaha Shigetoshi, Hanshi, Kudan, is a dento karate school that follows the teachings of the late grandmaster Yagi Meitoku.

What distinguishes dento (伝統 - traditional) karate from the garden variety of karate schools that exist is that the dojo follows a prescribed discipline that seeks to develop a more well-rounded and reflective person. This is done through the study and practice of the art, striving to learn, understand and improve ourselves through our techniques.

Traditional Okinawan karate does not subscribe to the sport notions of karate. Both have their place and both have their merits, but they are not the same. Nor is one better than the other; what every potential student (or parent of a student) must identify is what they wish to receive from the training experience. If you're not sure, a little research could make all the difference in your experience.

Dento karate practice is not about trophies or development of ego. It is a way of life that should inspire students to excel in all areas of their lives: as students, as employees, as community members, as citizens and, above all, as friends and family members. Many may consider karate to be a violent art; however, true Okinawan karate should be considered and stand as the antithesis of and the antidote to violence.

The dojo also follows the syllabus of the Ryukyu Tesshinkan Kobudo Kyokai. The Tesshinkan, under the direction of Kancho Tamayose Hidemi, Hanshi, Judan, follows the lineage and curriculum of Okinawan kobudo legend Taira Shinken, as taught through Akamine Hiroshi. . The dojo members who partake in kobudo training are encouraged to join the Tesshinkan kyokai as all ranking is overseen by the association and not the dojo directly. Dojo members may belong to one or both programs; however, in order to train in the kobudo portion, a martial arts base is preferred. Inscription into kobudo training only is at sole discrection of the instructor.

One particular aspect that sets the dojo apart: we are a registered non-profit society within the Province of Alberta - and a community-based program. The dojo is not a business. It exists to serve a purpose of offering a bona fide martial arts experience to all. Don't mistake low cost for low-quality - the dojo offers quality training with an accredited, certified instructor with fees that make training affordable for all.

This dojo embraces social media as part of the e-way!

Classes are taught by Jamie Hanlon, (Godan, Renshi - Okinawa Goju Ryu Ryusyokai and Shodan - Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan).


Classes for Youth (7-12 years) and Adults (≥13 years).
Kobudo program offered to adults above yellow belt.