SEPT REGISTRATION

We are now accepting registrations for September classes. 
Click HERE for the September class schedule.

CLICK HERE for info about FREE Beginner's classes.

Welcome to Elmira's first and only permanent facility dedicated exclusively to training in the martial arts.

Established in 1998, Elmira Karate Dojo offers traditional instruction in karate, kobudo and tai chi in our spacious 2,000 sq ft facility. Traditional and modern training equipment is available for members to use. Classes are offered to students of all ages and experience levels - from the beginner to advanced black belt level.

Dojo Hours:
Monday - Thursday:  5:00 - 9:00 PM
Fridays: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Phone: 519 669 3340

Payment accepted: Cash or Cheque

Expert Instruction

Head Instructor is Renshi Mike Robertson, is a fifth degree black belt who has been actively training in Goju Karate for over 25 years.  Sensei Barbara Lamble, 3rd dan, also instructs karate classes, specializing in special programs for young children.

Sensei Mike has brought several students to the black belt level and is now sits as a member of the CNGK Black Belt grading board. All instruction at Elmira Karate Dojo is provided by qualified Black Belt instructors who attend regular black belt classes with Sensei Mike as well as teacher's classes with Kyoshi Purdy.

Mike Robertson began his karate training in 1985 under the guidance of Kyoshi J Purdy, head instructor of Gorge Karate Dojo in Elora, Ontario. When he was 17 years old, Sensei Robertson was awarded his Shodan (first degree black belt). In 1992, he traveled to Okinawa with Kyoshi Purdy to train at the Meibukan Dojo with Hanshi Meitatsu Yagi (10th dan), a world authority on Goju-ryu (hard-soft style) karate. Sensei Robertson was fortunate to have the opportunity to receive personal instruction from Dai Sensei Meitoku Yagi, the direct successor to Chojun Miyagi, creator of Goju-ryu karate.

Sensei Robertson continued to train with Kyoshi Purdy until he was awarded his Nidan (2nd dan) in 1993. During this time, he began to study Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art that emphasizes continuous, flowing motion and controlled breathing. Kyoshi Purdy encouraged Sensei Robertson to open a dojo in Elmira when he received his Sandan (3rd dan) in 1998. He was graded to Yondan (4th dan) in 2002 and Godan (5th dan) in 2008. As a godan, Sensei Mike's formal title is Renshi, meaning Polished Expert. Sensei Mike is certified as a Level 3 Karate instructor with Canadian Naha-te Goju Karate.

Sensei Barbara Lamble begin training when her good friend, Mike Robertson asked her to join the first karate classes that he taught in Elmira. She immediately noticed an improvement in her energy and fitness levels, so decided to pursue her training to the black belt level, which she obtained in 2003. In 2006, she was graded to second-degree black belt and in 2009 she was gradied to Sandan (3rd degree black belt)  and is now the Kinder Karate instructor at Elmira Karate Dojo. Specializing in teaching small children, she has also been a teacher of musical theory and piano. Sensei Barb has a creative and flexible approach for the special needs of every child and enjoys learning from her students as much as teaching them. Sensei Barb is certified as a Level 1 Karate instructor with Canadian Naha-te Goju Karate.

Assistant Instructors

Sensei Chris began his training in 1998, when Elmira Karate Dojo first opened on Arthur Street. He was one of the first students from Elmira Karate Dojo to be graded to the Black Belt level under Sensei Mike's guidance.  Sensei Chris' sense of humour and dedication to karate makes him a true asset to our teaching staff.

Sensei Christina began her training as a teenager with Kyoshi Purdy in Elora and achieved her first degree black belt. After a taking a hiatus from training to develop her career, she returned to formal training at Elmira Karate Dojo in 2006. Sensei Christina was ranked to Nidan in December 2007 and continues to actively train and teach at Elmira Karate Dojo.

Sensei Ben started training at Elmira Karate Dojo as a child in 1999. He was graded to Shodan-ho (junior black belt) at age 14 and was tested to the adult level Shodan in 2008.  Sensei Ben's diligence in practise sets a good example for students of all ages to strive to achieve their own personal best.

Traditional and modern training equipment is available for members to use during regular hours.

* 225lb leather heavy-bag
* Wavemaster XXL freestanding bag
* Velded leather double ended bag
* Stretching machine
* Leather medicine balls
* Skipping ropes
* Rip-cords
* Martial arts mats

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Our facility offers a full range of modern comforts:

* Separate changing area for men and women  
* Private restroom with shower   
* Warm-up room for members  
* Uniforms and equipment available on site   
* Water cooler  
* Very clean, safe environment for children and adults students