Self Defence
No-nonsense self defence programs for your safety and that of the people you love—before, during, and after a situation arises.
↗
Denman Island, British Columbia
School of
Warrior Arts.
Authentic, grounded training for people who want to learn how to fight, protect, defend, and heal.
2027 internship →Est. 2000
Denman Island
The Roots approach
Train for the real
world.
Roots Dojo has built a reputation over more than 20 years as an authentic martial arts school dedicated to the study of the martial path.
Our method of choice is rooted in the unique practice of Systema. Today, we also teach martial arts, self defence, combatives, combat sports, survival, health, and fitness.
Meet the dojo →What we offer
Find your edge.
Four connected areas of study, built around presence, resilience, and useful skill.
Martial Arts
Training rooted in the origins of martial arts, before techniques, belts, choreographies, and sport.
↗Health & Wellness
A healing path that is part of the Roots tradition, with programs focused on health and wellbeing.
↗Combatives
Practical preparation for the realities of violence through an honest study of a rarely treated subject.
↗How we deliver it
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.
↗Same practice. Different lengths of stay.
Make time for Roots.
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
January 18–April 11, 2027. Time to settle in, build your practice, and work through what challenges you.
$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
Four consecutive weeks from your start date during the internship, subject to acceptance and space. Train with the same group and the same principles.
Full payment after acceptance secures your stay.
How to joinWeekly stay
A week at Roots
$400
A concentrated introduction or a return to practice. 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
Train with your feet on the ground and your attention fully awake.
“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
Notes from Roots.
For training updates, upcoming programs, and visiting details, send us an email.
Email Roots →