Traditional Martial Arts
Karate, Tai Chi Chuan, Kobudo
Learn Karate, Tai Chi Chuan and traditional weapons.
Cultivate bodily awareness, build strength & increase flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I gain from learning martial arts?
Martial arts develops bodily strength and mental resiliency. It combines the benefits of activities such as cardio, resistance training, yoga, meditation, and more. You will also gain valuable self defense skills that will serve you for the rest of your life.
Am I too old to learn to learn martial arts?
No. Martial arts was developed to keep the body and mind healthy for people of all ages. In fact, our classes have students from 7 years old to seniors.
Do you have classes for kids?
The Dojo offers Karate classes for anyone age 12 and up.
Do you teach advanced martial arts at the Vancouver Dojo?
Yes. We teach advanced martial arts and offer individualized training to meet you at your experience level.
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Why Train in Martial Arts?
Training in the martial arts is an all-encompassing endeavour, involving body, mind and spirit. The martial arts serve as a well-rounded exercise routine including warm-ups which are integrated into the practice. The mindset of the martial arts emphasizes discipline, patience, self-confidence and respect.
Personalized, Expert Instruction
Lucas Trottier Sensei, Vancouver Dojo's head instructor, has been training in the martial arts for over two decades and continues training with Richard Mark Sensei, the highest ranked official in the system of Shorinji Ryu in Canada. Trottier Sensei offers personalized instruction specific to each student, while making the group class environment fun and challenging.
Karate & Kobudo
The word karate translates most simply as “empty hand”. This is partly due to the idea that Karate is a weaponless martial art.
Karate develops the body and mind to the highest levels of human potential. The end result of that training is an individual who can competently face life and do so without dependency on anything but themselves.
Along with training, our Karate classes introduce other related arts like Kobudo (traditional weapons), Tai Chi Chuan, and Jujutsu.
- Gain fitness and stamina
- Develop goal setting and achievements
- Find peace and inner clarity
Kids & Parents Karate
Kids and parents karate classes will show your child that they have the capacity to learn and grow, and not to be fearful of making mistakes.
Karate training offers kids achievable goals to work toward and encourages them to have a mindset of continual self-improvement.
Karate classes are a unique way for parents and kids to spend time together and sweat!
- Develop confidence and discipline
- Learn to overcome stress and find success
- Cultivate healthy social dynamics
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial system with roots that stretch back into the Daoist temples of ancient China. Combining graceful and powerful movements with concentrated breathing and mental focus training Tai Chi Chuan becomes an active, dynamic, and living, meditation.
Tai Chi Chuan is designed to be a very advanced martial art system. By using the principle of redirection to turn the energy of the attacker back at them it can be utilized by anyone regardless of age and size.
- Find better balance and coordination
- Learn self defense skills
- Attain a sense of peace
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Vancouver Dojo located?
The Vancouver Dojo is located on West Broadway in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver. See here for detailed information on how to find us, including parking.
Our address is:
Vancouver Traditional Martial Arts Dojo
2668 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G3
778.386.7003
We have offered martial arts classes in Vancouver at this location for over ten years.
How do I choose the right dojo for me?
Choosing a dojo is more than simply choosing a tradition of martial art. To truly benefit, you need an instructor who is as invested in your learning and growth as you are.
Lucas Sensei has a dedicated student membership which is a testament to his ability to keep students enthusiastic about training and keep classes fun yet challenging.
We offer a free trial week which grants you access to any of our classes at no cost and no obligation. Sign up and try us out!
What traditions of martial arts do you teach?
Lucas Trottier Sensei is trained in the Shorinji Ryu tradition as well as Yang-style Taijiquan and Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu.
As of 2022, he began his training with Richard Mark Sensei who is the western representative for the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International Division.
Lucas Sensei has taught martial arts classes in Vancouver since 2010 and is a lifelong learner, keeping up with training on a weekly basis.
What is the difference between Tai chi chuan and Qigong?
Is tai chi a martial art?
Yes, tai chi is a martial art. Taichi was created and developed to be a system of self defense and martial abilities since its inception. Its highly valuable use as a health and wellness practice is woven deeply into the martial roots of the training. These aspects of the art were never meant to be separated.
Do you have a beginner's class?
Classes include students of all levels. When a beginner joins a class for the first time, the instruction is adapted to welcome the new student and make them feel comfortable.
More experienced students assist newer students. Not only does this mentorship encourage students to maintain a helpful mindset, it also encourages learning and solidification of skills through teaching.
Am I too old to join? Am I too young to join?
There is no maximum age to training. Keeping the body and mind healthy and focused is one of the key reasons training was developed. It is for all ages.
Kids & Parents Karate at the Vancouver Dojo is designed for kids ages 7 to 14 years old and assumes one parent at minimum will be involved in training alongside their child.
Kids 12 years old and older may train without a parent, though we strongly encourage parents to join as well.
Can I join with a shoulder/back/knee etc injury?
Injury management is all about paying attention and being careful in the approach you take to your exercising.
A mindful practitioner will use the injury to better understand how to make more of having less.
Training can also provide a useful form of movement rehabilitation after injuries if the practitioner is careful and moves in the correct way.
Karate & Tai Chi Classes
Beginner or experienced? Our instruction is tailored to students of all levels.