Business Details
43 Years
experience
Red Deer's Premier Martial Arts Training Center
We are Cheney's Zen Karate Kickboxing, Red Deer's premier martial arts training center since 1983. Our facility specializes in Zen Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Self Defense, serving students from beginner to world-class levels. With over four decades of experience, we have produced numerous regional, national, and world champions while maintaining rigorous training standards. Our programs emphasize discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness through traditional techniques combined with modern training methods.We offer classes for children, adults, and competitive athletes, along with private self-defense instruction. Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined experience, including affiliations with major martial arts organizations. We maintain a strong focus on character development, academic performance, and community responsibility, creating a supportive environment for personal growth. Our facility is equipped to provide world-class instruction while fostering a culture of respect and excellence.
Services
Zen Karate
Kickboxing
Muay Thai
Self Defense
Kids Karate
Fighter Training
Tournament Prep
Personal Protection
Group Classes
Private Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in martial arts instruction.
- Our instructors hold black belt ranks in multiple disciplines.
- We offer certified training recognized by major martial arts organizations.
- Our facility has produced more regional and national champions than any local school.
- We emphasize character development alongside physical training.
Associations and certifications
- World Kickboxing Association
- Canadian Muay Thai Council
What people say
Highly skilled instructors
Life-changing experience
Best martial arts school
Excellent for fitness
Great community environment
Services
Zen Karate
Our Zen Karate program combines Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing techniques with Olympic training methods. Students develop self-confidence, coordination, and weight control while learning tournament-oriented training and street defense techniques. This discipline-focused program caters to all skill levels from beginners to competitive athletes.
Kickboxing & Muay Thai
This high-intensity program merges traditional Muay Thai, boxing, and martial arts techniques with cardiovascular conditioning. As Red Deer's only WKA and Canadian Muay Thai Council certified school, we offer authentic training for both recreational fitness and competitive fighters in a supportive environment.
Self Defense
Our specialized self-defense classes teach practical techniques for real-world situations. Available through private instruction or group sessions, this program focuses on awareness, prevention strategies, and effective response techniques taught by experienced martial artists with law enforcement backgrounds.
Kids Karate
Designed for children starting at age 5, our Kids Karate program builds respect, discipline, and physical fitness. The curriculum includes basic techniques that progress with skill level while emphasizing character development and academic responsibility in a safe, engaging environment.
Fighter Specific Training
This advanced program offers specialized training for aspiring competitors. With access to championship-level instructors and proven training methodologies, students develop tournament skills in multiple disciplines while maintaining focus on technical precision and mental preparation.
People
Lyle Cheney
Master Instructor
With 50 years of martial arts experience and 42 years of teaching, Sensei Lyle holds black belts in Zen Karate, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai. Recognized nationally as a top instructor, he has trained numerous champions and serves as referee-in-chief for the Ring Sports Association.
Raven Cheney
Instructor
Continuing the family tradition, Raven Cheney brings fresh energy to our instruction team while maintaining the high standards established by our school's legacy. Specializing in youth programs, they help students develop technical skills and personal discipline.
Grace Lemus
Instructor
Bringing diverse martial arts expertise to our team, Grace contributes to our comprehensive training approach. Her instruction focuses on technical precision and practical application across multiple disciplines while supporting our students' personal growth.
Owen Gadiano
Instructor
As part of our experienced teaching staff, Owen delivers quality instruction that balances traditional techniques with modern training methods. He specializes in helping students develop both physical skills and mental focus through structured, progressive lessons.
Gavin Owen
Instructor
Our newest instructor brings contemporary perspectives to our traditional training methods. Focused on making martial arts accessible to all students, he emphasizes practical applications and personal development through structured, engaging classes that build both skill and confidence.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Zen Karate (combining Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing), Muay Thai, and specialized self-defense training programs.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, we welcome students of all experience levels with structured programs that progress from basic techniques to advanced skills.
Do you offer children's martial arts classes?
We have a dedicated Kids Karate program starting at age 5, focusing on discipline, respect, and fundamental martial arts skills.
Are private self-defense lessons available?
Yes, we offer private and semi-private self-defense instruction tailored to individual needs and specific safety concerns.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors hold black belt ranks in multiple disciplines and have decades of combined teaching experience, including competition judging certifications.
Do you prepare students for competitions?
Yes, our Fighter Specific Training program prepares students for regional, national, and international competitions in various martial arts disciplines.
Reviews (4)
Taylor Gaudette
Mar 23, 2021
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Cheney's karate studio is an awesome place to learn martial arts. I'd highly reccomend them to anyone looking into getting into karate or kickboxing. There is always a high level of professionalism and respect here while still maintaining fun and learning.
Roberto Bencivenga
Feb 02, 2020
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A martial arts organization run by a top expert, attended by dedicated and supportive athletes. Here you find great instruction, great friends and the best environment to keep fit and keep learning every day and at your level, while having fun. Don't miss it!
Jacob Brassington
Jan 30, 2020
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Coming onto my 7 year of doing karate here, and I plan to continue training for many more. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that has any fitness, discipline or other kinds of goals. Sensei Cheney is a great instructor who has helped me reach many goals.
Chase Yetter
Jan 22, 2020
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I deffinetly recommend training here. I am currently enrolled in the Beginner Kickboxing classes. Very welcoming atmosphere and it is a great way to get/stay in shape. The instructors are very knowledgeable. 5/5
