Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Strength, Discipline & Character Through Traditional Karate in Abbotsford
Abbotsford Karate Club has been dedicated to martial arts instruction since 1972, offering traditional Shotokan karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) training. Our chief instructor, Paul Sexton, holds a seventh-degree black belt in karate and third-degree black belt in Kobudo, with direct certification from Okinawa. We emphasize physical fitness, realistic self-defense techniques, and character development in a supportive environment for ages 8 and up. With continuous enrollment from October to May, we provide structured training programs for beginners through advanced students, including competitive tournament preparation.Our dojo maintains affiliations with Gima-Ha International Karate Federation, Karate BC, and Karate Canada, ensuring adherence to rigorous technical standards. We incorporate modern training methods while preserving traditional discipline, serving a diverse membership ranging from children to seniors. Our instructors' extensive experience includes international teaching engagements and certifications in reiki and firearm safety. We maintain reasonable rates with family discounts to promote community-wide accessibility to quality martial arts education.
Services
Shotokan Karate
Jiu Jitsu
Kobudo
Self-Defense Training
Competitive Training
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer certified seventh-degree black belt instruction in traditional karate and Kobudo
- Our dojo maintains international affiliations with recognized martial arts organizations
- We provide structured training programs for all skill levels from beginner to advanced
- Our instructors have 35+ years of combined teaching experience and global certifications
- We offer family discounts and maintain reasonable rates for community accessibility
Associations and certifications
- Gima-Ha International Karatedo Federation
- Karate BC
- Karate Canada
Services
Shotokan Karate
Our Shotokan karate program develops physical strength, mental discipline, and self-defense skills through traditional kata and kumite training. Students learn proper stances, strikes, and blocks while progressing through a structured belt system. This martial art emphasizes character development alongside technical proficiency for ages 8 and up.
Jiu Jitsu
The Jiu Jitsu curriculum focuses on close combat techniques including joint locks, throws, and ground fighting. Students develop practical self-defense skills against armed and unarmed opponents while learning the art's philosophical principles. This complementary practice enhances overall martial arts proficiency for intermediate and advanced students.
Kobudo
Our Kobudo program teaches traditional Okinawan weapons techniques using bo, sai, nunchaku, and other historical implements. This specialized training improves coordination, focus, and understanding of classical martial arts applications. Certified instructors ensure safe progression through weapon-specific kata and forms.
Self-Defense Training
The self-defense program combines techniques from multiple disciplines to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Training includes situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and practical countermeasures against common attacks. This skill-based approach benefits all experience levels seeking personal safety education.
Competitive Training
Our competitive training program prepares students for regional and national karate tournaments. Athletes receive specialized instruction in sport kumite, kata performance, and competition rules. The program has produced multiple Karate BC team members and maintains a strong track record in local competitions.
People
Paul Sexton
Chief Instructor
Seventh-degree black belt with Gima-Ha International Karate Federation and third-degree Kobudo black belt. Certified grading examiner and national A-level referee with 40+ years teaching experience. Former high school teacher and RCMP firearm safety instructor.
Ted Gosling
Instructor
Fifth-degree black belt and Gima-Ha Grading Panel member. 50+ years martial arts experience including training with Okinawan masters. Former real estate professional with six years on Fraser Valley Real Estate board.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Shotokan karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) with certified instruction from experienced black belts.
What age groups can participate?
Our programs accept students aged 8 and up, with family classes available for multi-generational training opportunities.
Are there competitive opportunities?
Yes, we offer tournament preparation programs with a proven track record of producing Karate BC team members and competition champions.
What are your class schedules?
Regular classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Godson Elementary School from 6-9 PM with separate sessions for weapons and karate training.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide family discounts to make martial arts training accessible for multiple members from the same household.
Reviews (7)
Casey Milligan
Jan 25, 2019
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I have been in martial arts for over 20 years and have never been to a more welcoming, patient, kind and wholesome environment. The teaching is excellent and there is more taught here than martial arts. These are true mentors. My son attends regularly. I did for some time as well and my daughter has attended on occasion. This place is such a gift that anything I can say just doesn't cut it. Just join and you will see.
Liam Innes
Jan 18, 2019
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I have been training here for almost a year now, and it has been one of the best experiences I've had since leaving high school. Everyone in the dojo is kind and willing to give a helping hand to any difficulties I have had.
Karen Kooyman Gauthier
Dec 09, 2018
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Our two sons joined the Abbotsford Karate Club in September 2018 and quickly found a second home with with a great bunch of highly skilled athletes. This dojo supports both new comers and the elite in a supportive, fun learning envirnonment. Our boys are challenged to be their best, to respect themselves and others, and to work hard. The environment at the Abbotsford Karate Club teaches more than the physical sport. Under the excellent mentorship of Sensei Paul and Sensei Ted, they are learning the discipline of karate and many important life lessons as well. Thank you Senseis, and all of the
Zuzana Landis
Oct 07, 2018
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My high energy son joined Abbotsford Karate Club only 4 months ago but since then, he has gained so much! Increased confidence, better focus, enhanced discipline and goal setting and stronger core are just few examples of his general improvement. I would highly recommend this dojo. Senseis are kind yet firm, patient, and professional with massive amount of knowledge.
Jack Barker
Aug 13, 2018
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I joined a couple of months ago and couldnt be happier! Senseis Paul and Ted have made me feel welcomed since day one and continue to do so. Its a great group of folks whos lives have brought them here and are all working together towards a similar goal. Its incredibly fun and I look forward to going to every class!
Roberto Boada
Aug 08, 2018
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I am training with Abbotsford Karate club for 8 years now, all because the great teaching, awesome friendships and persinal level, after training karate for over 20 years in different parts of the world this is the place where to be
Thanks sensei Paul
Thanks sensei Paul
Jagan Krishnaraj
Jun 17, 2018
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Practice is excellent here and the masters are very patient and ensuring that each student is getting proper training. Even for slow learners, they give more attention and encourage them in the right direction.
