by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
On May 9, the Bushido Karate Association held one of the most physically and mentally demanding events of the year: our Spring Adult Grading. With 27 students on the floor, the evening was a true showcase of determination, discipline, and dojo spirit.
Over the course of three intense hours, students worked through kihon, kata, kumite, grappling, partner drills, and conditioning. The level of focus and effort displayed was exceptional, and the energy in the room was palpable from start to finish.
By the end of the night, five individuals earned their next rank — a well-deserved recognition of their commitment and development. For everyone who participated, the evening was a reminder that progress in martial arts is not given — it’s earned, one challenge at a time.
Grading days like this are a celebration of the work we’ve put in as individuals and as a community. Congratulations to those who advanced, and deep respect to all who showed up, stepped up, and pushed through.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
Our team training sessions are where BKA members take their training to the next level. These focused classes bring together students preparing for tournaments, advanced gradings, or simply looking to push their limits. They’re intense, supportive, and rich in both technical content and spirit.
Held monthly throughout the term, these sessions are where strategy meets sweat. Higher ranks refine timing and control, while developing athletes build speed and accuracy under pressure. Beyond the physical gains, these classes are a chance to forge deeper connections with training partners and mentors.
If you’ve never attended one of these sessions, consider trying out! The team is open to all students green and up — and they’re a great reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside the comfort zone.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
On May 3rd, our BKA members joined karateka from across the province at the SWKKF Alberta Provincial Black Belt Grading. These events are milestones — not just in the careers of those grading, but for the entire dojo that helped prepare them.
We are immensely proud to announce the following promotions:
- Shodan – Jad El-Halabi
- Nidan – Cristina Iordache and Stefan Iordache
- Yodan – Bernadine Jugdutt
These promotions reflect years of dedication, refinement, and contribution to our community. Behind every rank is a story of effort — of setbacks overcome, of late nights in the dojo, of perseverance in silence.
We also extend our thanks to the club members who helped facilitate and support the grading, including those who served on the Joseki Board and provided logistical help. Events like these are a team effort, and the BKA showed up in full force.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
Tournament season always brings a special energy to the dojo, and this spring’s Whitecourt Tournament was no exception. Members of the BKA traveled to compete, support, and represent the spirit of our dojo — and they delivered in a big way.
Notable results included:
- Zain Simon: Silver in Kumite
- Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt: Gold in Kata, Silver in Kumite, Silver in Team Kata, and 3rd overall in King of the Ring
- Sensei Scott Knowles: Double Silver in two separate Kata divisions, Silver in Kumite, Bronze in Team Kata, and 2nd in King of the Ring
We also want to highlight the efforts of brown belts Kai Barrett and Teo Aytenfisu, who competed with grit and composure. Every athlete showed determination, technical excellence, and sportsmanship — qualities we strive to foster in every BKA member.
Thank you to all who participated, supported, and helped organize. Tournaments like these push us, connect us, and remind us that we grow stronger together.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
On March 30, we hosted one of the most technical and engaging clinics of the year — a deep dive into the bunkai (applications) of the kata Chinto. This advanced session drew over 50 participants from across the country, both in-person and on Zoom, demonstrating once again how strong and connected the SWKKF community is.
Led by Senseis Craig Pettie, Scott Knowles, and James Freeman. The clinic broke down Chinto into its foundational principles, exploring both traditional and modern combative interpretations. Participants were provided with take-home materials and encouraged to bring their own insights into the discussion.
What made this clinic especially meaningful was the sense of shared curiosity and respect for the depth of the kata. Everyone left the floor with new perspectives and new tools to take back into their personal training. This is the kind of work that strengthens our technical depth and enriches our federation-wide knowledge base.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
This spring, we proudly promoted 23 of our youth members to their next rank. It was an inspiring day filled with energy, spirit, and mutual encouragement. These students didn’t just demonstrate their techniques — they demonstrated their character.
Every grading is more than just a test of skill; it’s a moment of reflection. From white belts showing their first kata to yellow belts breaking through with improved power and control, the progression on the floor was matched only by the joy on the faces of those watching.
Special thanks to the families who supported their kids and the students who attended just to cheer their classmates on. These moments remind us that karate is about community. As we head into the off-season for youth programming, we encourage all students to continue practicing, reviewing their curriculum, and staying active. We look forward to seeing everyone back in September, stronger than ever.
