The dojo in North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church (NKMB) teaches more than just kicks and blocks.

Johise Namwira, Assist Manager of the dojo and the main sensei's daughter, has had her black belt since she was 11 years old.

"I started karate when I was six years old ... on a personal level, it was really great way for me to build perseverance," says Namwira.

She, along with her father and several other senseis, now teaches at the dojo in North Kildonan that has been in operation since 2012.

Namwira says, before the dojo was founded, her father, "Was approached by a colleague from work whose son was having issues with being bullied at school and he was kind of wondering how to address the problem.

"Because we are Christians, we want to do everything we do for the glory of God and so this idea of incorporating the Christianity aspect to our karate practice came forth. We met with the youth pastor here and they were very welcoming to the idea and since then the dojo has just grown tremendously."

"Above all else it's about how to be respectful to others, to learn how to have self-discipline, and to learn how to promote peace."

With every karate class held at NKMB, there is a devotional time in the middle to reflect on a bible verse that relates to the young karate students.

"We want to live like Christ, and Christ lead by example in a way that was living through peace, being kind to others, and loving our neighbours and that's exactly what we try to emphasize in a karate dojo. A lot of people find it challenging because you are doing a martial art sport," says Namwira.

"Karate in itself is not a sport that is made to be provocative."

Namwira says that in her life she has been given the confidence, even in times of stress or danger, to not act out of fear but instead feel secure.

"By knowing how to fight, you tend not to do it," she says.

"Sometimes the best option is to walk away - or as Jesus said: 'Turn the other cheek.'"