About Shihan Mark Yates

"Whether you're a student for a month or 40 years, You will learn something valuable here."

You may be a parent who wants to help their child develop focus and better emotional control or an older student looking for a good workout - either way, you're in the right place!

Mark Yates – called Shihan in the dojo, which means a senior instructor who has achieved a high ranking – is a 7th dan black belt in Goshin Jitsu Karate and has been teaching martial arts for over 40 years.

In his 40 years he has won 7 World Champion Titles in Self Defense and Traditional Weapons, brought over 300 students up to their black belt, and taught thousands of people karate and self-defense.

"The great thing about Karate is that there's always something new to learn or a way to improve. It can keep things interesting!"

It's more than karate skills

More than karate skills (which are useful to have), Shihan teaches life skills.

What does “teaching life skills” look like? It looks like “mat chats” when Shihan talks about subjects like how to handle bullying at school, how to stay calm when someone makes you angry, and how to build resilience.

You can see it during a class when Shihan throws out bite-size bits of knowledge and encouragement as kids learn new katas or compete with themselves in a drill. Parents and students can bring their challenges to Shihan to get some perspective and practical wisdom.

Shihan has worked with students of all ages and ability levels.

One great thing about martial arts is you’re able to modify the curriculum to work with students of different ability levels. Everyone, working to the best of their abilities, can achieve Black Belt. Working towards your black belt will teach and reinforce perseverance, self-control, and positive outlook.

Everyone comes to Karate for a different reason:

You or your child are looking to learn how to deal with bullying at school.
Your active child needs a fun high-energy class to help them sleep better at night.
You appreciate that karate combines a physical practice with "common-sense" wisdom.
Karate can help you develop better co-ordination, balance, and body awareness.
You love martial arts and are interested in training and competition.

Our dojo is a safe and inclusive training environment that has welcomed people in the community ages 3 1/2 and up for over 40 years. We have hosted competitions and have had competitors from across Canada and from the US come to join us.

Hear from our students and parents

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and so much of yourself - we truly appreciate it." -Jo Weber

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I can't say enough how much I love this place! My son is learning so much and he LOVES to go to class. There's something so rewarding in watching your child grow so quickly. Thank you!" - A. Brubaker

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"Well it's about time I write a review! My boys joined Promar Karate as Kinderkicks about 4 months ago. They absolutely love it! Sensei Yates is an amazing teacher. She's enthusiastic about teaching and is very patient. My boys are 4 & 6, and never want to miss a class. They have learned so much and continue to learn with each class. I'm very satisfied with our experience." - Ashley Johnson

About Shihan Mark Yates

"Whether you're a student for a month or 40 years, You will learn something valuable here."

It's more than karate skills

More than karate skills (which are useful to have), Shihan teaches life skills.

Shihan has worked with students of all ages and ability levels.

Everyone comes to Karate for a different reason:

Our Home Dojo

Ready to Get moving with karate?

Hear from our students and parents

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and so much of yourself - we truly appreciate it." -Jo Weber

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"Kids love going to class, there is a positive atmosphere in the school." - Adam R.

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

Have more questions?

About Shihan Mark Yates

"Whether you're a student for a month or 40 years, You will learn something valuable here."

It's more than karate skills

More than karate skills (which are useful to have), Shihan teaches life skills.

Shihan has worked with students of all ages and ability levels.

Everyone comes to Karate for a different reason:

Our Home Dojo

Ready to Get moving with karate?

Hear from our students and parents

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and so much of yourself - we truly appreciate it." -Jo Weber

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"I really like that Shihan takes a minute to ask the kids about their day before class." - Sara Thom

"Kids love going to class, there is a positive atmosphere in the school." - Adam R.

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

"The coaches there are phenomenal. They were so encouraging and patient, it was a breeze to learn."

Have more questions?

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