WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY 

"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

"Excellent club and instructors. Classes are well balanced between kata, kumite, and self defence and are available for members of all rank and skill level. Instructors make a concerted effort to engage students and lead by example. Solid foundation in traditional shotokan karate-do. Instructors are technically proficient and approachable."

Matthew Robinson

 

"I joined to train with my son who was in junior high. He has gone off to college but I continue to train. Senseis Tony and Danny are among the best instructors in Canada along with the many senior students. It is a great not-for-profit community. The rates are incredibly good." 

John McGowan

"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!"

Mohammed Alnusayri

“I joined The Halifax ISKF Karate Club almost 30 years ago with my initial goals including improved concentration and fitness for a motorsports passion/career. My secondary goal was improved flexibility based on the recommendation of medical practitioners. I had never considered a marital art in the past and while I expected my introduction to be intimidating and perhaps overwhelming, I found the instructors and more experienced karatekas to be welcoming and encouraging. The concept of a “mind like still water” resonated with me and proved useful in many high stress situations in Motorsports and indeed, in life. I quickly learned that most everyone can participate and grow in the discipline regardless of body type or previous athletic experiences. 

While self defence was not initially at the top of my personal agenda, the poise I gained through repetitive training combined with careful and attentive instruction, has allowed me to feel confident and calm in situations where a physical encounter might not be avoided. I feel very fortunate to have benefited from the camaraderie and mutual goals of my training partners and I continue to encourage others to participate and experience the many life long benefits of Shotokan karate. 

Dr. Paul J. Gray

Over 15 years ago, I stepped into the Halifax dojo for my first karate class and after a few classes, I was hooked.  As an older adult, I was was looking for a way to improve my fitness, but what I got was so much more. Not only is karate a powerful way to strengthen the body, but the discipline of karate taught under Sensei’s Tony and Danny Tam leads the way for you to endeavour to grow as person - physically, mentally and spiritually.

Diane Chisholm

“I started with the Dalhousie Karate Club way back in 1988 after a few years training in Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu and Chito Ryu Karate prior to coming to Nova Scotia. 35 years later, I continue to train, continue to learn, and continue to enjoy the fellowship that belonging to this extraordinary dojo family offers. While people come and go and life interrupts our training at times, several things about this dojo have remained true from those many years ago. These include the integrity, commitment, and talent of Senseis Tony, Danny, and our other senior members; the founding principles that remain ingrained in our dojo passed down from Master Funakoshi; Grandmaster Okazaki’s legacy of humility and tradition; and the volunteerism that keeps our dojo strong. In a culture where commercial motivations and instant gratification are so often dominant, it is good to be part of something that is more concerned with building strong minds, bodies, spirits, and relationships…and above all perfecting our character as individuals. Our dojo challenges each of us to create our own rewards by working hard to improve ourselves, all while having plenty of fun along the way! The diversity of our members in age and many other differences is part of our strength, and many families, including my own, have trained together throughout the years. Anyone looking for a welcoming, meaningful experience of an increasingly rare kind will not be sorry for beginning a journey with us. The only thing I would change about the last 35 years is to miss less class, LOL!” 

David T. Deveau, P.Eng., MBA, BEDS, CRSP   

“I am thrilled to write an endorsement for the incredible martial arts program led by Sensei’s Tony and Danny Tam which I have had the pleasure of being a part of for several years now.

At over 60+ years young, I was initially met with skepticism when I expressed my desire to earn a Black Belt in martial arts. However, with the support and guidance of the competent instructors at this program, I have been able to exceed my own expectations and achieve this incredible milestone, at year 70.

Their belief in me, and their willingness to work with me at my own pace, has been invaluable.

Beyond the technical expertise of the instructors, I have also found the atmosphere at this program to be consistently respectful and professional.

There is a strong emphasis on traditional practices, which has instilled in me a sense of real pride in my training. The help and support from everyone involved in the program, from the instructors to my fellow students, has been an essential component of my success.

As I continue to train, I have also noticed a marked improvement in my overall health and well-being. The physical exercise and mental discipline required in martial arts have allowed me to feel more energized and focused, even outside of the dojo, yes in my workplace. 

Overall, I cannot recommend this program highly enough. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a complete beginner, the competent instruction, respectful atmosphere, and focus on traditional practice make it an ideal place to train and grow. “

Bill Hildreth

“A work contract brought me to Halifax in 2017. I have trained in Shotokan Karate in Milton Ontario for quite some time and wanted to continue working out. My sensei in Ontario made an introduction to Sensei Tony and the ISKF club was glad to have me as part of their club.  I found everyone in the club to be friendly, helpful, respectful, and knowledgeable.  The dojo space is clean and comfortable in every season.  It's also easy to find and get to walking from downtown Halifax.  My contract finished and I found myself back in Ontario.. and not soon afterward, COVID! My dojo in Ontario did not do online training and I was very happy to find out that the Halifax ISKF did! That helped a lot in keeping in shape and with the isolation! Thanks, ISKF Halifax." 

Larry Jacobs

“I began martial arts as a child and have practiced in several schools and styles across Canada. The Halifax branch of ISKF is by far one of the most organized and well-developed martial arts academies where I have trained. It has the luxury of a huge resource of highly skilled and ranked karate practitioners, including the exceptional chief instructors: Tony and Danny Tam.

After more than 20 years of training in martial arts, I returned to Halifax with my family to attend medical school. During this challenging time, I made the decision to join a new martial arts club once again. Despite the demands of medical school, it became extremely important to find the time to include karate in my daily activities. This helped me to remain centered, and the attitudes of karate: discipline, focus, persistence, and mindfulness helped to carry me through my studies.

Now I practice emergency medicine, and these same principles influence how I provide care to patients under extremely stressful conditions. Karate teaches the physical aptitudes of martial arts, but students of Halifax ISKF can expect to benefit from karate as it applies to many aspects of their lives. I can honestly say that I am a stronger person, and my life enriched, through training karate with Halifax ISKF.

Although the club has a large resource of highly ranked individuals, it maintains a welcoming environment, and a healthy population of junior learners who train together, while benefiting from being part of such a mature club. My son is one of these students, joining the club at a young age, he has grown alongside his karate training. I see how karate has benefited his focus, athletics, and character, and I am proud of watching him train. I truly appreciate the mentorship relationships he has developed with several of the instructors. My wife is also a member, and karate is a family activity we value both inside and outside the dojo.”

Dr. Louis Staple