In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Rodney Hobson.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Saskatchewan, but I have called Kelowna home for 23 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 5-year-old son Chase, he's an amazing individual.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To a serene, peaceful, and beautiful mountain top with my family.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Coopers in Rutland - I seem to be shopping there multiple times a week.
What is your favourite activity?
Karate!!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza, all hours, all day. Burgers second, and tacos in a very distant third.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Can't remember anything too crazy.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing children push past their obstacles and achieving greatness daily.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Winning the first ever Tsuruoka National Karate Tournament in Nova Scotia when I was a teenager. I managed to place first in Kata (forms) and Kumite (fighting) in front of some heroes of mine. A non-Karate related fond childhood memory would be spending time with my grandparents and cousins. Nothing beats family time in the summer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We use our Karate club to reach so many families in the community to support them not only financially, but physically and mentally as well. We get families together no matter the age, gender, or financial place and work towards the common goal of helping others. It's amazing to see the effort our team generates at every event we hold.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
A world with Humility, Graciousness, and No-Ego (pretend that's one thing).
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Training at Rodney Hobson Karate Academy!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Top of Knox mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Access and support for amateur sports.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
An investor for our own building so we can reach more families.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I only eat once a day.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Rodney Hobson Karate Academy.
What does your business do?
We are Kelowna's only after school Karate program and we hold Karate evening classes for all ages!
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Through our Facebook page.
Where can people find your business online?
rhka.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have the talent to inspire kids as well as a solid background in martial arts. Combining the two into my dream job has been a goal since I was 8 years old.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people realize their true potential and to inspire others to lead life-affecting lives.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Time, building size, and funding.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
All the same - I love my life and wouldn't change a thing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting the local shops only helps our community more. Keep it local, keep it fresh, and help our community.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Scott Reid. He is a longtime "Karate Dad" in our organization that keeps stepping up to the plate over and over. He's a big inspiration and a help to us all - on top of being a UBC-O professor.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Scott Reid.
Other information you would like to share:
If you or someone you know would prosper from all the benefits that the Martial Arts have to offer, please come down and check us out! We offer a full one week trial on our programs. You can view our website rhka.com or call us at (250)-491-8313
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
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