Begin Your Karate Journey With Us

Young's Uechi-Ryu Karate is dedicated to teaching traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate to teens and adults.  Our focus is on the art of Uechi-Ryu, a system of self-defense movements with its roots in Southern Chinese kung fu. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are passionate about what they teach and are eager to see everyone achieve their goals. Our mission is to train and teach in a way that is safe, healthy and not hard on the body, ensuring that we can enjoy a lifelong practice. 

Learn self-defense skills

Relieve Stress

Improve physical fitness 

Increase flexibility 

Sharpen reflexes

Gain confidence

Practice mindfulness

Camaraderie

At Young’s Uechi-Ryu Karate classes are $80/month. The first 2 classes are free. Uniforms are available for purchase through the dojo. We do not charge for belts or gradings. Young’s Uechi-Ryu Karate is a member of Karate Nova Scotia (KNS) and an annual registration with this organization is required. Please inquire about the timing and cost of this registration. Information and benefits of KNS membership can be found at  https://karatens.org. 

Young’s Uechi-Ryu Karate classes are held in the spacious gymnasium of the Centreville Baptist Church located at 870 Murray Dr., Centreville, Nova Scotis. Entrance to the gym is in the rear of the building. 

We teach students aged 14 and older. New students are welcome at any time. Whether you have previous training in Uechi-Ryu, a different style of karate, another martial art, or have no previous training, we ask that you please come in and watch a class before singing up. We want to make sure that our program is what you are looking for and will be a good fit for you.

Our instructors are experienced martial artists who are passionate about their own training and sharing their knowledge with our students. You'll receive personalized attention and knowledgeable guidance at every step of your journey. Our mission is to help you reach your goals. 

Kristin began training in the Uechi-Ryu Karate system at the Kentville Karate Academy, Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1994. She began teaching the children's class as a brown belt approximately three years later. She received her Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1998 and was promoted to her current rank, Rokudan/Renshi (6th degree master rank) in November 2020. She has been training under Grandmaster George Mattson, Florida, USA, since 2020 and also trains with Grandmaster Jim Maloney, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In October 2024 Kristin received the esteemed title of Shihan (Master Instructor), under the IUKF, the South China Martial Arts Alliance and the Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Family of Organizations. She was recommended for the title by George Mattson. In 2005 Kristin wrote a comprehensive Student & Teacher Guide Book for her dojo, which Mattson Sensei also uses for his students. She created a virtual course exploring the Hojo Undo exercises and has twice taught the Suprainpei kata virtually to students around the globe, as well as written articles and newsletters published by Mattson Sensei. Kristin was active in Karate Nova Scotia for many years as a provincial judge and on committees. She served as treasurer and corporate secretary for the Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Association (a provincial association created to bring together Uechi-Ryu practitioners in the province) for 13 years and in her role, was instrumental in organizing and hosting seminars and tournaments in Nova Scotia.  

Darren  began training at Young’s Uechi-Ryu Karate in 2012. He received his Shodan November 2022. Darren also trained in White Crane Gung Fu for 3 years, as well as a year in Shotokan Karate. 

Gary began training at Young’s Uechi-Ryu Karate in 2017. He received his Shodan July 2023. Gary is a long-time student of the martial arts. He is also a Shodan in Kyokushin Karate, a Sandan (3rd degree) in Shorin-Ryu Karate and has training in various weapons. 

Our dojo has active connections with other Uechi-Ryu karate dojos and other martial arts dojos in the province. Many of our students have trained in other martial arts styles. We always encourage learning, sharing ideas and knowledge gained from Uechi-Ryu training, as well as from other styles and disciplines. We often invite students and instructors from other dojos to workout with us and share their knowledge by joining a class or instructing. We encourage our students to join us in attending seminars and training opportunities in other dojos.