Taneda Karate Dojo

Taneda Karate-do

“Sensei Chris Taneda is a quiet spoken man whose actions speak louder than words. I have been involved with the Taneda Karate Dojo since my daughter joined in 2000. Over the first year my wife and I saw the value of respect that he taught the class of seven to twelve year olds to have for themselves and each other. He taught them determination, team work, to not give up on themselves and how to have fun all while he was teaching them self-defense. Each child would get support and encouragement when they needed it and a shove in the right direction when he could see that they could do better. After the first year of watching from the side-lines, I joined the Dojo the next year. Since then, through demonstration, his life-stories and yes, sometimes even getting heck from Sensei, he has slowly got me to a level that I never thought I could reach. Whenever I think that I cannot get any better, Sensei is there urging me on because he knows something that I do not, that I can do better.”

—Dave Aoki Parent and Student

For over thirty years, the Taneda Karate Dojo has been a positive member of the Okanagan community. Built upon the strength and enthusiasm of its students and instructors, the Dojo has touched thousands of lives along the way. Read what others have to say...

Our Philosophy

Karate is a fun and exciting way to develop confidence, discipline, awareness, fitness and self-defense. Whether your goal is to improve your physical fitness or simply to try something new, the study of karate will constantly challenge your perception of personal physical and mental boundaries. We believe the Dojo should be a safe place for people to learn and grow, an environment which fosters self-esteem and respect. Students train together, and grow together.

Our Instructors

Our instructors are fully NCCP Certified (National Coaching Certification Program).

The Taneda Karate Dojo is a member of Karate BC. Benefits of being a member of Karate BC include:

• Accident Insurance (medical and dental) and $5,000,000 liability for members and instructors.
• Access to the Kidsport assistance program through Sport BC.
• Fees are eligible for the Canadian Child Fitness Tax Credit.
• Participation in the BC Winter Games.
• High school sport credits program and volunteer hours.
• NCCP certified instructors.
• Participation in Regional, Provincial and National Karate Teams.

Sensei Chris Taneda, Kyoshi

Nanadan • 7th Degree Black Belt

Sensei Chris Taneda is a 7th Degree Black Belt with the title of Kyoshi. Sensei Taneda was 6-time Canadian National Kumite Champion and 4-time Chito-Ryu World Champion. Sensei Taneda is currently the head coach of the Zone 2 Karate Team and the Zone 2 BC Winter Games Team, and was awarded Karate BC Coach of the Year in 2005. As a proud ambassador of his community, Sensei Taneda was selected as a torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Mike Ditson, Shidoin

Yondan • 4th Degree Black Belt

Senpai Mike Ditson is a 4th Degree Black Belt with the title of Shidoin. Senpai Mike has been a member of the Taneda Karate Dojo for 27 years, and full time instructor for 12 years. He has won multiple medals at the Canadian National Karate Championships, and is the current Chito-Ryu Kata World Champion. Senpai Mike is an assistant coach for the Zone 2 Karate Team, and for the last four years he has been a member of BC Karate Team coaching staff. In 2009, he was named Karate BC Coach of the Year. Currently, Senpai Mike is the President of the Southern Interior Karate Association (Zone 2) and a member of the Karate BC High Performance Committee.

Our Community

The Taneda Karate Dojo has served the Okanagan community since 1981, with classes in Kelowna, Westbank, Summerland and Penticton. Members of the Dojo have represented our community, province and country at numerous national and international competitions, earning the Dojo a reputation as one of the premier karate dojos in the world. The Taneda Karate Dojo is a multiple nominee and past recipient of the City of Kelowna Bryan Couling Memorial Award for the Athletic Team of Year.