The Zarate Sensei Karate-Do Association was founded in 2021 by the Zárate Pinzón family with a vision to create a positive impact on the lives of children in vulnerable communities in Bogotá, Colombia.

Since 2021 we have worked tirelessly to offer children from low-income backgrounds the opportunity to learn and grow through the practice of Karate-Do. Through this initiative, we have provided a safe space for children to develop discipline, confidence, and essential life values, all while fostering a sense of empowerment.

My family started the initiative after the passing of my dad, Fernando Zárate in June 2021. My dad was a resilient individual who overcame significant challenges throughout his life. Growing up in a low-income family in Colombia, he faced limited access to education. With financial support from his uncle, he took up karate, which would become a pivotal part of his life.

Despite leaving school at the age of 11 to work in construction, he pursued his education through radio broadcasts, ultimately graduating. At just 14, he represented Colombia in a karate tournament in Costa Rica. To fund his university education, he established and taught karate at Universidad La Salle in Colombia, leading to his recruitment by the Special Police Academy to train agents.Through hard work and dedication, he earned his black belt and a degree in civil engineering, allowing him to build a prosperous life in Canada, a country he loved and was proud of.

As the program has grown and gained recognition within the community, we are now taking the next step in our journey, formalizing our efforts into a registered charity and will be organizing events to collect funds.

Our next event will be July 17, ,2025. 5pm

Tickets will be $25 and will include 2 tacos and one drink.

We would love if you could join us to support this great cause.

1955 Cornwall Avenue Vancouver, BC V6J 1C9

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zarate-sensei-karate-do-summer-fundraiser-in-kits-tickets-1405201899709?aff=oddtdtcreator