DOJO HEALTH TRAINING PROTOCOL

All participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID 19 according to NS Health guidelines.
You cannot attend a class if you have any COVID 19, flu or cold symptoms or if in the 10 days prior to a class, tested positive for COVID-19 or was a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
You must advise dalkarate@bellaliant.net if you test positive for COVID-19 within 3 days after a Class.
A mask may be required during training if mandated by the Dojo.

Our Dojo

The Halifax International Shotokan Karate Federation is a traditional Shotokan style karate club dedicated to the promotion of karate-do, the "Way of the Empty Hand" as founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi to the community of the Halifax Regional Municipality. The original dojo, Dalhousie Karate Club, was established in 1979. Today, the Halifax ISKF is associated with ISKF dojos nationally and internationally.

Head instructors Sensei Tony Tam and Sensei Danny Tam, 8th-degree black belts, are the highest-ranking certified ISKF instructors in Eastern Canada, each with over 50 years of teaching experience.

Location: Click this icon: King's College gymnasium

Training at our Dojo

NO KARATE EXPERIENCE

We offer dedicated classes for beginners. Please visit our BEGINNERS page for more details.

PRIOR MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE

Our dojo philosophy and policy that those with prior martial experience start in the Beginner Class regardless of rank unless you are under the ISKF or JKA. We believe this is essential to properly learn the principles of ISKF Shotokan. We have had many karatekas, from colour to black belts from other karate styles and associations undergo this process successfully. It is not to disrespect your ranking in another karate style or organization but to respect the ISKF methods of training and ranking system.

In our experience, those with prior karate training, other than Shotokan, will progress quickly through our ranking system to reach their rank prior to joining our club. Those with Shotokan experience will be accessed in due course to determine their ranking under the ISKF.

TESTIMONIALS

Here are just a few comments from the community:

"The Halifax-International Shotokan Karate Federation (Dal Karate Club) is unlike any other Karate club in the region. At the forefront are Sensei's Tony and Danny Tam - a pair brothers with a combined 84 years of karate experience! These 8th dan's (8th degree black belts) not only possess knowledge and skill, but are the embodiment of karate-do. Operating with integrity, fairness and a genuine passion for teaching. The membership of Halifax-ISKF may vary in age from 7-70 and range in experience from 7th dan to 7th kyu, but each and every member is treated with the same degree of respect and importance to the club. Supporting the Sensei Tam's are a group of dedicated volunteers, ensuring that this not-for-profit club provide not only fun and fitness - but the best value traditional Martial Arts experience in Nova Scotia. Go ahead... Google it!"

Carman Mills

"We joined the club as a family, in many ways to give our children the experience of learning a martial art. We couldn't have imagined how significant the experience would be for all of us. From family time together each week, to the pride that comes from disciplined practice, to learning from our instructors that possess such an incredible depth of knowledge, we are thankful for this journey that we are all on together. Sincere gratitude goes out to the ISKF and our amazing Senseis and teachers. We look forward to many more years to come."

Kate Ervine and Gavin Fridell

Now just shy of 4 years with the club, I can say in all sincerity that the journey has been truly exceptional given that it has encompassed the right balance of challenge & reward, healthy exercise, intense concentration, learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and last but not least genuine camaraderie. I am truly thankful for the exemplary commitment to excellence of Senseis Tony and Danny, in parallel with their dedication to ensuring a culture within the club that is respectful, welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive. The time and effort that every single instructor has dedicated to teaching all of us is genuinely appreciated, and I extend a very special thank you to Sam Campbell, John DeMont, and Antal Prokecz for so unselfishly sharing their expertise and wisdom, along with unwavering encouragement – they are gifted karetakas and exceptional human beings that I am very lucky to call friends.

Steve Armstrong

"I joined the club on January 2012 at the time when I started my master’s degree. My goal when I first joined the club was to keep myself active to be productive at school; but what I found was great instructors and trainees who provided and still providing all kind of supports to help you to improve yourself. And now I have my third black belt degree and a number of medals and trophies (provincially and nationally). Training karate helped me as a graduate student (master & PhD) to have active body and sharp mind. Great classes from great instructors. You should try it , you won’t regret!"

Dr. Mohammed Alnusayri (Phd)

"I have been practicing Karate in Germany, Japan, England and Canada, and this club is as good as it gets. We practice Karate-do, an art to seek perfection of character, and we are so lucky to have such true high-level instructors who lead by example. So it is no surprise that we have a large and awesome membership who respect each other and welcomes everyone with a true heart. This is not a fighting school for wannabe ninjas or showoffs, but where we all work hard to try our best to find the perfect form. I highly recommend this club if you are interested in true karate-do."

Dr. Thomas Trappenberg ( Professor, Dept. of Computer Science)