Traditional Wisdom
for a
Modern World
At The Vancouver Traditional Martial Arts Dojo, our training is the result of countless generations of martial arts practitioners working tirelessly throughout their lives to provide the optimal strategies for living a successful life.
Whether it is Karate, Tai Chi Chuan, Kobudo (traditional weapons) or Jujutsu, these practices all require hard work.
Discover the highest mental, physical and spiritual version of yourself you’ve ever known.
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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 Instruction, Over Two Decades of Experience
Lucas Trottier Sensei has been training and teaching in the martial arts for over two decades and continues to study and develop his skills on a daily basis.
In his work with students, both children and adults, he dedicates time and energy into understanding each person on an individual level to help develop their skills and create a comfortable yet challenging environment for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
KARATE 「空手」
Karate-Do is the most well known traditional martial art developed on the islands south of mainland Japan today called Okinawa. The word karate translates most simply as “empty hand”. This is partly due to the idea that Karate is a weaponless martial art. It 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 all it might throw at them, and do so without any dependency on anything but themselves.
Along with training Karate students are gradually introduced to 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
Karate training will show your child that they have the capacity to learn and grow, regardless of mistakes. Karate training offers them achievable goals to work toward and encourages them to have a mindset of continual self-improvement.
- Develop confidence and discipline
- Learn to overcome stress and find success
- Cultivate healthy social dynamics

TAI CHI CHUAN「太極拳」
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
How do I decide where to train in the martial arts?
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.
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/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 5 to 8 years old and assumes one parent at minimum will be involved in training alongside their child.
Kids 8 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.