Our Instructors

Adult Program Lead

Founder of The Bushido Karate Association

2022 SWKKF Leadership Award

Sensei James Freeman, 6th 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 since 2003. 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 studied Resistance Training with the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association, and has brought free weights, resistance bands, and stability balls into the core karate training program for adults. In 2008, Sensei was certified by Sensei Iain Abernethy as an Instructor in his Bunkai Jutsu teaching methods. Sensei was an Outdoor and Indoor Soccer coach with the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association for ten years. Sensei Freeman is a Professional Engineer with APEGA and received both an MBA and a MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta. He owns his own consulting company Valentis International Inc, sits on Boards, is an active angel investor and Venture Capital LP in a variety of funds, where he supports early-stage clean-tech companies.  He is an Executive-in-Residence with the Foresight CleanTech Accelerator, and advises an organization called Society 5.0.

Sensei Freeman achieved his 7th Dan in December 2024.

Contact Sensei James Freeman

Adult Program Lead

Founder of The Bushido Karate Association

Sensei Craig Pettie, 5th Dan, began his karate training in 1989 and earned his Shodan (first-degree black belt) in 1992. A founding member of the Bushido Karate Association, Sensei Craig has been teaching youth and adult karate programs since 1991, and continues to be a cornerstone of the BKA’s leadership and development.

He received his Godan (fifth-degree black belt) in May 2019, marking decades of deep dedication to both the art and the practical application of karate. With a career spanning more than three decades, Sensei Craig brings exceptional expertise in both traditional martial arts and practical self-defense methodologies.

Beyond his work in karate, Sensei Craig has extensive experience supporting children and youth across therapeutic disciplines, including psychology, school rehabilitation, and physical therapy. His commitment to helping others has shaped a thoughtful, effective teaching style that resonates with students of all ages and abilities.

In 2002, Sensei Craig transitioned into the Information Technology field, where he currently works as a Systems Analyst and Developer. His dual career paths reflect a lifelong dedication to both continuous learning and service to others.

Sensei Craig remains a respected mentor within the BKA community, known for his depth of knowledge, technical precision, and unwavering commitment to the principles of martial arts.

Contact Sensei Craig Pettie

Adult Program

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.

Contact Sensei Elliott Knowles

Adult Program, Youth Program Lead

Former National Team Member

2020 SWKKF Leadership Award

Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt, 4th Dan, has been training in Wado-Kai karate since 1994. She joined the Bushido Karate Association in 2004, earning her Shodan in 2010, Nidan in 2016, Sandan in May 2019, and Yodan in May 2025. A key member of the BKA’s leadership team, Sensei Bernadine serves as one of the head coaches of the BKA Team, an active instructor within the BKA Grandview program, and a driving force behind much of the curriculum development for the association.

Known for her technical precision, deep knowledge, and thoughtful approach to karate, Sensei Bernadine remains active on the tournament circuit, achieving success in both kata and kumite events across Canada. She was selected as the lightweight women’s representative for the 2012–2014 Shintani Canadian National Team, where she had the opportunity to train and compete nationally.

Alongside her martial arts achievements, Sensei Bernadine earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Alberta in 2012, followed by a Master of Science in Physics from McGill University in 2015. She later returned to Edmonton to continue teaching at the BKA while pursuing her medical career. She completed her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2021 and is currently completing a fellowship in Nephrology at the University of Alberta.

Sensei Bernadine balances her demanding academic and professional career with a continuing passion for karate, remaining a committed coach, mentor, and role model within the BKA community.

Contact Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt

Youth Program

Sensei Michael Chmay, 3rd Dan, has been practicing karate since the mid-1990s, developing a spirited and passionate approach to martial arts that continues to define his teaching today. Originally from the St. Catharines/Grimsby region of Ontario, Sensei Michael relocated to Edmonton in 2012, where he joined the Bushido Karate Association and became an integral part of the BKA community.

He earned his Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan ranks through years of dedicated training and has gone on to play an active role in instructing youth students and coaching for the BKA Team. Known for his high energy, strong spirit, and commitment to student development, Sensei Michael brings a dynamic presence to every class he leads.

A deep student of bunkai analysis, Sensei Michael has applied his skills extensively in sparring, grappling, throwing, and ground-work, bridging traditional kata application with practical, real-world technique. His passion for karate shines through in both his own practice and the mentorship he provides to the next generation of martial artists.

Outside of karate, Sensei Michael brings the same dedication and intensity to his professional and personal pursuits, making him a respected leader, teammate, and role model within the BKA.

Youth Program

Sensei Sidney Taylor, 2nd Dan, began her karate journey in 2003 at the age of eight in Spruce Grove. She earned her Shodan (1st Dan) in 2013 and quickly stepped into a leadership role, becoming one of the head instructors at her original club. After teaching for a year, she moved to Edmonton and began training with the Bushido Karate Association in 2016. Since joining BKA, Sensei Sidney has been an active and dedicated instructor in the youth program, helping to develop and inspire the next generation of students.

In addition to her regular teaching, Sensei Sidney has contributed to larger club initiatives, including co-organizing the Bushido Karate Camp alongside Sensei Bernadine in 2018 and 2019. She earned her Nidan (2nd Dan) in May 2018 and continues to be a valued member of the BKA instructional team.

Outside the dojo, Sensei Sidney has pursued her passion for animals and ecology, studies she later transitioned into a professional career. She now works as a Zookeeper at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, combining her love for nature with her dedication to education and care.

In her spare time, Sensei Sidney enjoys writing, drawing, bouldering, and gardening — always finding new ways to explore creativity and the outdoors.

Youth Program

Sensei Stefan Iordache, 1st Dan, started karate at the age of six with the Bushido youth program. After progressing to the adult class, he attained his Shodan rank in May 2021 and in turn became an assistant instructor.

In addition to his regular training, Sensei Stefan is an original and current member of the BKA Tournament Team. With many accomplishments in tournaments over the years, Sensei Stefan believes the Team to be a large part of his karate journey, and has helped him build the skills to be accepted as a member of the Shintani Canadian National Team. Sensei Stefan is grateful to be recognized as the 2023 Male Athlete of the Year through the SWKKF REACH awards.

Outside of karate, Stefan is a Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta, and is eager to pursue a career in medicine. He is active in many U of A clubs, and is currently Vice President for Youreka Edmonton, an organization that conducts research in collaboration with high school and university students. Stefan’s enjoyment of science extends to health-related studies, and has led to his publishing multiple research papers, with a recent focus on analyzing pulmonary hypertension.

Alongside karate, Sensei Stefan enjoys a diverse range of sports. He represented his high school as captain of the swim team, leading the team to their 34th consecutive city championship. He has continued swimming with the U of A club, and is now additionally playing rugby, recreationally climbing, and has completed a sprint triathlon.