A Message From The Founder

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In the spring of 2007, I stood alone in a 3,300 square-foot space—just concrete floors and four long, empty walls. The year had already been a whirlwind. Just months earlier, I had sold the telecommunications company I built from scratch over ten years, growing it into three locations with 20 employees. We had just sold our home in Vancouver and were in the midst of building a new one in Ottawa.

As a lifelong martial artist—having trained in seven different martial arts, competed across North America, and learned from instructors all over the world—I carried with me a dream. A dream to create a training space that was modern, bright, and clean. A space filled with the best equipment, the best instruction, and most importantly, the best people. A place that felt like home. A community that felt like family.

I dreamed of a school that wouldn’t just teach techniques, but one that would inspire real, positive change—in our students, their families, and the communities they lived in. That dream became my mission, and I committed to spending the rest of my life bringing it to life and sharing it with others.

But it wasn’t easy. I’d forgotten how much work a startup demands. Whether it was during those early days in 2007 or through our most recent renovations at our new Colonnade Road location, it took the dedication of staff and students working day and night to build what we now proudly call Zen. One student at a time, brick by brick, we created something extraordinary together.

Now, years later, our journey continues. Every day we push each other—not just to be better martial artists, but to be better people. We challenge and inspire one another to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. Each of you inspires me to become the best version of myself, and I see the same transformation in all of you. Through your training at Zen, you’ve changed—not just yourselves, but those around you—for the better.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Let your actions reflect your values. Let your words echo your beliefs. Let your presence set the example.

For those just beginning this journey: remember that the commitment to change doesn’t take days off. It doesn’t wait for convenience or offer shortcuts. Excellence is not an accident—it’s a habit. We are what we repeatedly do.

Whether your training has helped you lose weight, break bad habits, build confidence, gain focus, increase strength, improve flexibility, or find balance—you have changed, and you will continue to grow. Some of you have earned your brown belts in Karate, your blue belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, your Level II Prajiet in Muay Thai. Some have completed their first ring fight or even won championship titles. Through victories, setbacks, injuries, and triumphs, one thing remains constant: progress.

Today, Zen has become more than a training facility—it’s a family. A community of lifelong friendships. A place where people grow, rise, and achieve. A place where dreams not only live—but come true.

Thank you for allowing Zen to be part of your journey, and for letting us help bridge the gap between your aspirations and your personal greatness.

With gratitude,

David Dash
Founder & Owner