About
Avalon Karate offers training in Chito Ryu Karate-Do, competitive karate, self-defense (Goshin-Jutsu), and Ryukyu kobujutsu. Classes also include classical and practical weapons training, and Ryukyu kobujutsu uses eight different weapons: bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, kama, tekko, tinbe, and surujin. A free trial class is available for new participants.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Avalon Karate had its initial beginnings in 1993 and ranks among the largest and longest established schools of martial arts in Newfoundland & Labrador. It is the Head Quarters for Chito Ryu Karate in Newfoundland & Labrador and offers programs for children as young as three as well as classes solely for adults. The program includes elite competition options, and its high performance athletes consistently do well nationally and internationally.
The leadership team includes Sensei Derek J Ryan as Chief Instructor and Nathaniel Besso as Head Instructor. Sensei Derek J Ryan is a 6th dan, Renshi, with over 30 years of experience in Chito Ryu karate-do, holds the highest coaching certification nationally through Sport Canada’s NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program), and has coached and officiated at the highest levels of competitive karate. Nathaniel Besso is Newfoundland & Labrador’s most decorated karate athlete, has represented the province and country with Team Canada across the globe, and has competed in over 40 countries.
Avalon Karate states that its priority is to provide martial arts education for its community and to use martial arts to teach life skill principles. Its programs focus on the mind, the body, and the spirit, and aim to promote discipline in oneself, respect toward others, a sense of community, and a healthy lifestyle. The mission of Avalon Karate is to help participants develop a healthy lifestyle and build self confidence through its martial arts programs, and it states that it values participant health and success and works every day to support both.
Last updated June 29, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Avalon Karate had its initial beginnings in 1993 and ranks among the largest and longest established schools of martial arts in Newfoundland & Labrador. It is the Head Quarters for Chito Ryu Karate in Newfoundland & Labrador and offers programs for children as young as three as well as classes solely for adults. The program includes elite competition options, and its high performance athletes consistently do well nationally and internationally.
The leadership team includes Sensei Derek J Ryan as Chief Instructor and Nathaniel Besso as Head Instructor. Sensei Derek J Ryan is a 6th dan, Renshi, with over 30 years of experience in Chito Ryu karate-do, holds the highest coaching certification nationally through Sport Canada’s NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program), and has coached and officiated at the highest levels of competitive karate. Nathaniel Besso is Newfoundland & Labrador’s most decorated karate athlete, has represented the province and country with Team Canada across the globe, and has competed in over 40 countries.
Avalon Karate states that its priority is to provide martial arts education for its community and to use martial arts to teach life skill principles. Its programs focus on the mind, the body, and the spirit, and aim to promote discipline in oneself, respect toward others, a sense of community, and a healthy lifestyle. The mission of Avalon Karate is to help participants develop a healthy lifestyle and build self confidence through its martial arts programs, and it states that it values participant health and success and works every day to support both.
Last updated June 29, 2026.
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