Meet Rodney. Rodney is originally from Saskatchewan and has been living here in Kelowna for 25 years! He loves to teach karate and share his passion for the art with his community.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan but have been in Kelowna for 25 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Chase, as he is everything I want to be when I grow up.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Coopers Foods, now called Save-On as I seem to go there the most!
Describe yourself in one word.
Relentless.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Disneyland with my family, we have not had a vacation in many many years due to continuing to grow our businesses ... it's time.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Karate!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I meet new people in a busy environment and forget their names 3 seconds later and have to "wing-it" the rest of the conversation.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I'm inspired daily by our amazing team of karate students. The dedication, passion, and energy they put into their training inspires me to continue doing what I love - teaching.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Winning the Tsuruoka Karate National Championships in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) as a junior. This was a trip I took alone from Kelowna to Nova Scotia and competed as the only representative from BC. I had a great performance and ended up with two gold medals in a truly memorable moment.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We volunteer through our club helping our general community and karate community. We are very fortunate to have a non-profit wing that our parents operate to give back to all those pursuing karate across Canada. Through working with them we impact hundreds of youth and families in making their experience with karate a great one.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Ego
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My backyard.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Keep growing the community use programs (extend bike lanes, running/walking trails, public transit, boat launch access, etc).
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's diversity.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Take my family on a vacation without bringing my work with me.
2) Live a day without answering emails.
3) Do the splits.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a vegetarian.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
All of the above. Facebook: Rodney Hobson or Rodney Hobson Karate Academy. Twitter: @rhka . Instagram: @rodney_hobson
What is the name of your business/organization?
Rodney Hobson Karate Academy
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started karate when I was very young, and opened my own academy in 2002.
What is the goal of your business?
Be there for everyone in our community to provide a safe space for sport, self-defense, confidence building and high performance.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding successors.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
All the same, for sure. No regrets!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Any day in a gi (karate uniform) is a good day.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be on time. Be grateful. Be relentless in your pursuits."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son. Working as much as I do we rarely get time together just to play silly things. I'd love a day with no technology just to play catch, go for a bike, and visit some cool places in Kelowna.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support the people who you want to support you. We all get the amazing opportunity to live in this beautiful city, let's keep supporting each other so we can all earn a living and give back.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Marriage to an amazingly supportive and understanding wife, and being a father to a great son and two wonderful step-children.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Virgil Cheever (Great dad who sacrifices tons for his family, and has a life story which has inspired me to believe in people).
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Virgil Cheever.
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