Strength. Fitness. Self defence skills. Personal discipline. Whatever your reason, martial arts classes will whip you into physical – and mental – strength.
You’ll find a variety of studios and teachers offering martial arts and self defence classes in Penticton. Here are some to try, starting with the newest location, which opened this month.
Skoden Martial Arts
Skoden Martial Arts (pictured above) just opened its doors in early May on Main Street, offering jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing classes for all ages.
“Most people get into it for fitness but are quick to realize how beneficial it is for self defence. I strongly believe jiu-jitsu is the best form of self defence because you’re continuously practising the moves to help you in a dangerous situation,” said owner Marlan Hall, who was a signed professional fighter in 2019. “Both jiu-jitsu and kickboxing are also great workouts.”
Yes, you can learn MMA skills there, but the gym is also “very family-esque,” he says. “It’s for anybody. We have three-year-olds in here and I also do private lessons with someone who’s 73 – and he’s awesome. I get people who, when they first start out, they’re pretty intimated, but after a week they’re absolutely loving it.”
Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for further details.
First Strike Martial Arts
This Brazilian jiu-jitsu training facility offers classes for kids and adults, available for beginner to advanced students. The studio is at 150 Orchard Avenue; visit the website or Facebook page for details.
Pacific Top Team Penticton
Pacific Top Team Martial Arts offers kids’ Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, adult classes, women’s only kickboxing and more. Their website reads: “The martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing are truly a vehicle for self-development and character building.” The studio is at #101 - 99 Padmore Ave East; visit the website or Facebook page for details.
Penticton Taekwondo Academy
This school offers Taekwondo training for both kids (age four and up) and adults. Master Mike Adams is a 5th degree black belt who has coached students to both provincial and national Taekwondo championships. The school is at #104-132 Industrial Court.
Penticton Self Defence
With Bill Wolfe’s Defendo CQB training, you can learn to protect yourself in non-sport based self defence. Brought right out of the military and law enforcement training. Regimental Sergeant Major and ERT/SWAT team leader Bill Wolfe gives you the skills he learned and taught in service. He brings more than 60 years of martial arts skill and knowledge to the floor combined that with 40 years of operational military and police service. Wolfe has been featured on History TV and Smithsonian channel, providing his expertise in unarmed combat for various productions. This studio is at #115 - 1475 Fairview Road in the Cannery Trade Centre; visit the website for more.
Robert Ng Martial Arts
Robert Ng has been a martial practitioner for two decades, offering private, semi-private and specialty contract classes. He teaches Bruce Lee’s Jeet kune do, boxing, kickboxing and Filipino weaponry, also offering group classes for students, non-profits and more. His studio is located at 508 Main Street. Visit his website to learn more.
Okanagan Valley Wudang
This group holds weekly classes at Rotary Park, between the Peach and Lakeside Resort, by donation. Drop by for Tai Chi on Sundays, Kung Fun on Mondays or Bagua/Xingyi on Wednesdays. Further details are on their website or Facebook page. They also offer kids’ Kung Fu classes organized through the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, held in Kaleden.
Jeet Kune Do Boot Camp
They teach Jeet Kune Do, which includes boxing and weapons in a relaxed and safe manner, at 1730 Duncan Ave (by appointment only).
Tondo Boxing
This boxing club offers adult and kid classes, Filipino sword fighting and more, at 206 Brunswick Street. Visit their Facebook or Instagram page for details.
Did we miss your business? Or is your favourite martial arts place not on this list? Tell us about it! Email economic.development@penticton.ca.