Self Defence
Learn about protecting yourself and others, including what happens before, during, and after a violent encounter.
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Denman Island, British Columbia
School of
Warrior Arts.
At Roots, we study fighting, self-defence, and health through Systema and other martial practices.
2027 internship →Est. 2000
Denman Island
The Roots approach
Train for the real
world.
Roots Dojo has welcomed students to Denman Island for more than twenty years.
Systema is central to our teaching. Our classes and courses also cover self-defence, combatives, combat sports, survival, health, and fitness.
Meet the dojo →What we offer
Find your edge.
Our teaching covers self-defence, martial arts, health and wellness, and combatives. Read more about each area below.
Martial Arts
Study movement, breathing, form, and contact through long-term martial practice.
↗Health & Wellness
Work on movement, breathing, relaxation, and recovery as part of your training.
↗Combatives
Study physical conflict, decisions under pressure, and the consequences of using force.
↗Training formats
Ways to train.
Choose the training format that fits your time, experience, and commitment.
Classes
Regular, ongoing training to build skill over time.
↗Seminars
Focused teaching around a specific subject or visiting instructor.
↗Internships
Immersive training for committed students.
↗Intensives
Sustained, rigorous practice over several days.
↗Training stays
Tuition and lengths of stay.
Beginners and experienced practitioners train together. All visiting students apply first. Food, accommodation, and travel are your responsibility.
All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). No tax is currently added.
12 weeks
The full internship
$2,500
Attend regular Systema classes throughout the internship, January 18–April 11, 2027.
$500 deposit after acceptance; $2,000 due at the start, unless other arrangements are made.
How to join4 consecutive weeks
4-week training
$1,000
Join the regular Systema classes for four consecutive weeks from your start date during the internship, subject to acceptance and space.
Full payment after acceptance secures your stay.
How to joinWeekly stay
A week at Roots
$400
Join the regular Systema classes for a week. Arrive any day during the internship, subject to acceptance and space.
Full payment after acceptance secures your stay.
How to joinFive-day specialty courses are $800 CAD and include regular Systema sessions during the course. The one-day Great Canadian Self-Defence Course is $200 CAD. Course dates and availability will be announced separately.
Full twelve-week interns may attend specialty courses at no additional charge, subject to space and availability. Weekly and four-week stays cover regular Systema training; specialty courses are booked separately.
Weekly and four-week stays: a full refund with at least 14 days’ notice before your agreed start date. Payments are non-refundable with less notice or after your stay begins. If Roots cancels your stay, you receive a full refund.
Denman Island training
We train inside the dojo and outdoors on Denman Island.
“The martial path is not a performance.
It is a practice.”
From the mat
What students say.
“Do yourself a favour and train at Roots Dojo. You must experience the training to understand and appreciate the innumerable benefits of this unique and exceptional school of warrior arts.”
“The instructors are great, people friendly, the other students welcoming and patient. The rainforest setting, island life, and thoughtful progressions make Roots a class act.”
“Nothing else comes close to the challenge, realism, and diversity of training at Roots.”
Keep in touch
Training enquiries.
For training updates, upcoming programs, and visiting details, send us an email.
Email Roots →