Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in St. Albert
Founded in 1996, Desakarate is a full-time traditional Okinawan karate school dedicated to fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership through martial arts. Our state-of-the-art facility in St. Albert features 3,000 square feet of matted training space, a 2,000-square-foot classroom, and modern amenities for students of all ages. We emphasize technical excellence in Uechi-Ryu karate and kobudo (Okinawan weapons), guided by Sensei Manuel deSa, an 8th-degree black belt with decades of experience. Our curriculum includes programs for children as young as four, adult self-defense workshops, and community outreach initiatives. We prioritize personalized instruction, with a team of certified black belt instructors and assistant leaders who mentor students through structured rank advancements.Our leadership training program empowers advanced students to develop teaching and community service skills. We host annual charity events, having donated over $5,000 annually to local organizations since 2015. Regular testing protocols ensure students progress at appropriate paces, with junior black belt opportunities for dedicated youth. Our dojo etiquette and philosophical teachings align with traditional karate-do principles of respect and self-improvement. With a global connection to Okinawan masters, we maintain authenticity while adapting to modern student needs.
Services
Traditional Karate Classes
Kobudo Training
Kickstart Program
Self-Defense Workshops
Bully Defense Courses
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 28+ years of experience in authentic Uechi-Ryu karate instruction
- Our 9,000 sq ft facility includes dedicated training and classroom spaces
- We provide specialized programs for children starting at age 4
- Our leadership program develops student instructors through hands-on experience
- We maintain direct lineage connections to Okinawan karate masters
Services
Traditional Karate Classes
Our core karate program teaches Uechi-Ryu techniques through structured curriculum. Students learn striking, blocking, and forms (kata) while developing discipline and physical fitness. Classes emphasize traditional dojo etiquette and progressive rank advancement through formal testing.
Kobudo Training
Specialized classes in Okinawan weapons including bo staff, sai, and nunchaku. Training focuses on traditional forms and practical applications while maintaining safety protocols. Equipment provided for beginners.
Kickstart Program
Tailored classes for 4-5 year olds introducing basic karate skills through fun, engaging activities. Develops motor skills, focus, and respect in a supportive environment with age-appropriate instruction methods.
Self-Defense Workshops
Practical defense courses teaching situational awareness and protective techniques. Programs include Ladies Self-Defense and Bully Defense, focusing on real-world scenarios and confidence-building strategies for different age groups.
Leadership Development
Advanced students participate in mentorship roles assisting instructors. This program develops teaching abilities, responsibility, and community service experience through structured assistant instructor positions and special projects.
People
Manuel A. deSa
Owner/Instructor
8th-degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu karate with 30+ years teaching experience. Student of Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo since 2008 and certified kobudo instructor under Sensei Masakazu Kinjo. Former child care counselor integrating youth development expertise into martial arts instruction.
Janet Vranas
Instructor
7th-degree black belt with expertise in advanced kata and sparring techniques. Specializes in teaching adult classes and competition preparation while maintaining traditional karate principles.
Noah deSa
Children's Coordinator
4th-degree black belt focusing on youth programs and camp instruction. Certified coach developing age-appropriate curriculum for children's karate classes and special events.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu karate and kobudo (weapons training).
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer classes for children aged 4+, teens, and adults of all experience levels.
Do you offer self-defense training?
Yes, we provide specialized Ladies Self-Defense workshops and Bully Defense courses.
Are there leadership opportunities for advanced students?
Our leadership program trains brown belt+ students to assist instructors and develop teaching skills.
How does your school support the community?
We host annual charity events and partner with local schools for specialized martial arts programs.
