OUR DOJO

Sensei Manuel deSa opened a full time traditional Okinawan karate school in the fall of 1996.  The first location was on Riel Drive in the lower level of the St. Albert Rugby Club.  After seven years in this location, the school outgrew the space, and a brand new facility, dedicated solely to martial arts training was built a few blocks away on 3 Rowland Crescent. 

The training area is over 3000 square feet and is covered with martial arts matting.  A wide variety of training tools including heavy bags and other traditional conditioning and training equipment is available to all students.  Another 3000 square feet is used for office/storage space, change room and shower facilities and a viewing area for any visitors who wish to watch their family members or friends train.  Having a full time space committed solely to martial arts training has many advantages.  We have the ability to constantly monitor the quality of the material being taught and our student’s progress.  Our class schedule can be adjusted at any time to reflect the changing needs of the student population and to maximize quality control. Currently over 330 students train in over 25 different classes offered on a weekly basis.  In addition, there are over 50 preschoolers taking part in a specialized program called Kickstart with it’s own class times.  Desa School of Karate also has two satellite schools in Legal and Cardiff where an additional 90 students train on a weekly basis.  To complement the traditional Okinawan karate program, the school also offers kobudo (weapons) training, programs such as ladies self defense workshops, which run at various times throughout the year, and other programs specifically designed for different groups or organizations.