Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Nanaimo
Shima Karate has been a cornerstone of the Nanaimo community since 1988, dedicated to teaching traditional Goju-Ryu Karate. Our dojo emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth, fostering a family-friendly environment where students of all ages develop physical and mental strength. With over 150 black belts and two world champions, we prioritize long-term character development over rapid advancement, ensuring students build integrity, self-worth, and resilience.Our programs cater to children, teens, and adults, blending martial arts with life skills like goal-setting and peer pressure management. We maintain affiliations with Karate BC and the International Karate-Do Goju Kai Association of Canada, underscoring our commitment to authentic, high-quality instruction.
Services
Karate Classes
Birthday Parties
HIIT Fitness
Strength and Stillness
GenX Class
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35 years serving Nanaimo with authentic Goju-Ryu instruction
- Over 150 black belts developed through structured programs
- Family discounts and flexible scheduling for all ages
- Focus on long-term character development, not rapid advancement
- Affiliated with recognized martial arts organizations
Associations and certifications
- Karate BC
- International Karate-Do Goju Kai Association of Canada
What people say
Excellent training environment
Taught to be respectful
Community of people
Strong work ethic
Personal development
Services
Karate Classes
Traditional Goju-Ryu Karate instruction for ages 4 to adult, focusing on katas, sparring, and self-defense. Classes build physical strength, mental discipline, and respect. Students progress through belt ranks toward black belt certification.
Birthday Parties
One-hour karate-themed parties with games and instruction, followed by a celebration area for food and gifts. Accommodates up to 10 kids ($140) with additional fees for extra guests.
HIIT Fitness
Adults-only 45-minute high-intensity interval training combining karate movements, cardio, and stretching. Designed for parents seeking fitness reconnection without martial arts experience requirements.
Strength and Stillness
Meditative class blending martial arts, yoga, and breathing techniques. Enhances core strength, focus, and mental calmness through structured movement and energy work for all fitness levels.
GenX Class
Low-impact martial arts refresher for former practitioners. Focuses on flexibility, strength, and basic techniques without grading requirements. Affordable $30/month option for adults returning to training.
Questions
What karate styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Goju-Ryu Karate, focusing on katas, sparring, and self-defense techniques.
What age groups do you accept?
Classes start at age 4, with programs for children, teens, and adults up to black belt certification.
Are there family discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for families with multiple children enrolled in our programs.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, try two free trial classes with no commitment before starting monthly membership.
What are your class hours?
Monday-Thursday 2:00-9:00pm, Friday 2:00-6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm, closed Sundays.
Do you host birthday parties?
Yes, we offer karate-themed parties for $140 (10 kids) with additional fees for extra guests.
Reviews (6)
Sarah Harwood
Sep 30, 2021
Report
THE BEST! They're soo good with young ones! Both of my kids have now been through Shima and loved it!
Barbara Porcher
May 11, 2021
Report
Shima is an awesome Karate school, my son has been there for 4years. They are like family and are very welcoming.
Angell Waves
Jan 18, 2021
Report
Thank you Senpai Richard for the awsome karate party last weekend!Jax&everyone had so much fun!🎈🥋🎂
Jason Leischner
Dec 14, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality
My kids and I have been with Shima Karate for a year now. The atmosphere is great. The teachers are great and the Sensei is very patient with everyone. I would strongly recommend this school for anyone interested in pursuing one of the traditional martial arts.
My kids and I have been with Shima Karate for a year now. The atmosphere is great. The teachers are great and the Sensei is very patient with everyone. I would strongly recommend this school for anyone interested in pursuing one of the traditional martial arts.
Wayne Morneau
Sep 18, 2020
Report
My daughter has been going to karate for a little over four years now during that time she has been taught well, very structured course and lots of group extra activities. The team at Shima has also prepared her with 1on 1 and weekend training for events like the Worlds of Karate in Richmond B.C. and the BC Winter games in Fort St. Johns. She came home with medals in both events!
Dan Leus
Sep 16, 2020
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Our son has been going here for years. He has not enjoyed many other sports but the team at Shima has kept him interested and asking to go to karate! They have helped develop his athletics and discipline and have been great for him. Thanks so much to Kurt and his team for all the years of great times.
Our son has been going here for years. He has not enjoyed many other sports but the team at Shima has kept him interested and asking to go to karate! They have helped develop his athletics and discipline and have been great for him. Thanks so much to Kurt and his team for all the years of great times.
