Bushido Karate Association

Sensei James Freeman, P. Eng., 5th Dan, has been teaching youth programs in the University area since 1989. Sensei started karate in September 1985 at the University of Alberta and received his Shodan by August 1990. He has competed in many competitions over the years, winning in both kata and kumite, and went to the National SWKKF Tournament in 1992 and 1996.

Sensei Freeman has also studied Iyengar yoga and has competed in numerous triathlon and running competitions. He is a two-time 1/2 Ironman finisher, and a six-time 1/2 marathon finisher with a personal best at the 2007 Okanagan Half Marathon of 1:27:35. He is also certified to teach Resistance Training with the AFLCA, and has brought free weights, resistance bands, and stability balls into the core karate training program for adults. Sensei Freeman has an MBA and a MSc in Electrical Engineering, both from the U of A, and owns his own consulting company Valentis International Inc. He is now VP Technical Development with Zedi Inc. in Edmonton.

Sensei Craig Pettie, 4th Dan, has been teaching youth programs in the University area since 1991. Sensei Pettie started karate in September 1989 and received his Shodan rank in August 1992.

Sensei has a degree in Psychology from the U of A, and worked with children for 7 years at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in a variety of settings (Psychology, School Rehab. and Physical Therpay).

In 2004, Sensei Pettie began a new career in computers, and has been working since then as a Systems Analyst/Developer.

In 2002, Sensei competed in and successfully completed the summit leg of the Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, Alberta.

Sensei Kelsey Ross, 3rd Dan, has 15 years of training experience. Impressively, Sensei Kelsey has recently secured a position with the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation's National Team.

She is the Founder and Head Instructor of the Derrick Wado-Kai Karate Club in Edmonton.

In addition to karate, she has seven years coaching experience and has competed in a variety of sports including swimming, diving, tennis, badminton and squash. Sensei Kelsey was a member of the U of A Pandas Tennis Team from 2002-2004 and even held the position of captain in 2003.

Sensei Kelsey recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta and is currently working at the Stollery Children's Hospital.

From March-May 2006, Sensei completed a volunteer mission as a Nursing Student in Ghana. You can read about her travels at: www.kelseygoestoafrica.blogspot.com

Sensei Scott Knowles, 2nd Dan, began training in Wado-Kai Karate in 1994 in the Riverbend area, transferring to the University area in 2002, and has trained in the Grandview area since 2006. Sensei Scott has been teaching since 2002. He received his Shodan in May of 2007, and Nidan in May of 2010. He is currently an active instructor with the BKA youth program and adult programs. Sensei received certification as an Introductory Instructor in the Bunkai principles of Sensei Iain Abernethy in June of 2008. Sensei Scott is also avid in attending tournaments and clinics across the province, and attended the Shintani National Team Tryouts in 2008 and 2010.

Sensei Scott is currently a student at the University of Alberta, studying Computing Science and Business. While studying, Scott has a keen interest in photography and graphic design. He has worked as a graphic designer and event photographer since 2002 both for his father's company, and as a freelance artist. Over the years he has competed provincially in several Track and Field events, with his forte in the 100m and 200m sprints. In 2004, Sensei Scott received the Salute to Excellence sports award from City of Edmonton for his achievements in karate, and involvement in the community.

Sensei Elliott Knowles has been studying karate since the spring of 2002. He has been active in teaching various programs in southwest Edmonton since 2004. Originally training with the University of Alberta club, he moved to and joined the SWKKF and the Bushido Karate Association in October 2006. He received his Shodan ranking in May of 2008.

Sensei Elliott has been an active athlete most of his adult life and has focused on karate, triathlons, skiing, scuba diving, and weightlifting as his primary areas of interest. He has competed in and won within his division at multiple karate tournaments within the province. He has travelled the country and North America to compete in triathlons, and was highly ranked within his age group nationally and provincially. His personal best in an Olympic distance event was 2:18 in Calgary.

Sensei Elliott is married with two children, both of whom also train under Sensei Freeman at the Bushido Karate Association, he is extremely proud of both of them.

Since graduating from Business he has worked in the advertising and marketing community in Edmonton. He has been self employed as a Marketing / Advertising and Design consultant for the past 8 years. E Graphics and Design representing several retailers in the Edmonton area.

Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt, 1st Dan, began training in Wado Kai Karate in 1994, at five years old. She has trained at Grandview since 2004, and recieved her Shodan in May 2010.

Sensei Bernadine is currently studying Physics at the University of Alberta. She is highly involved with the Undergraduate Physics Society and has held a VP position on their executive board for the last two years. She hopes to continue on to graduate school in the fields of quantum modeling and/or quantum information.