Meet Our Team of Instructors.
Sensei Nick Graves
Chief Instructor
With a martial arts career spanning over 20 years, Sensei Nick has earned dan ranks in four different styles and travelled the world to compete and train in kata, traditional weapons, and full-contact karate. Along the way, He has built lifelong friendships and learned many lessons leading to his current path of sharing his love of martial arts with others through Graves Karate & Strength.
Outside of the dojo, Nick enjoys lifting weights, painting, reading science fiction, being a Dad to his twin daughters and partner to his wife, Sarah.
Qualifications
Sandan, Seienjuku Full-Contact Karate
Sandan, Kokusai Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Kyokai Association (Weapons)
Shodan, Daiwa-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu Higa-ha Kobukan Kyoukai
Shodan, Yoshukai Karate
Sensei Arlin Ablaza
Lead Instructor
Sensei Arlin brings 25 years of experience in multiple martial arts styles including kick boxing and competitive full-contact karate to Graves Karate & Strength. She particularly enjoys working with kids and sharing with them the arts that have enriched her life so much.
While not in the dojo, you will find Arlin riding her bike, officiating combat sport events or practicing Taiko drumming.
Qualifications
Sandan, Seienjuku Full-Contact Karate
Nidan, Yoshukai Karate
Shodan, Kokusai Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Kyokai Association (Weapons)
Shodan, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Peterec’s Martial Arts
Zander Dunn
Assistant Instructor
Zander has trained hard for the past several years to achieve his brown belt in Seienjuku Karate under Kyoshi Greg Turnbull of Seienjuku Karate Canada. He joins the Graves Karate & Strength team as an assistant instructor, helping with our kids and youth programs to correct techniques and by demonstrating what hard work can accomplish.
At home, Zander loves to game and is entering Camosun College as an economics major in 2027. He also studies several languages and has recently completed a semester in Montreal.
Qualifications
Ni-Kyuu, Seienjuku Full-Contact Karate
Start Today.
Ready to start training? Check out our pricing page for details on drop-in rates, membership plans and family discounts.