by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
Grading season is an exciting time for our youth students, but it can also be a bit intimidating — especially for those new to the experience. At BKA, we aim to create a predictable, positive, and meaningful grading environment that reflects our values while challenging our students to step up.
Leading up to the event, our instructors spend time in class reviewing curriculum, helping students polish their basics, katas, and partner drills, and preparing them mentally for what to expect. Younger students are introduced to the idea of grading in a way that frames it as an opportunity — not a test — and we try to ease nerves by giving them a clear idea of the structure and expectations.
Parents play an important role in this process. Supporting practice at home, encouraging a healthy mindset, and reinforcing that progress is just as important as the result can make a big difference. For students not yet ready to grade, we communicate with families ahead of time to manage expectations and offer guidance on next steps.
Grading isn’t just about promotion — it’s a learning experience that reinforces goal setting, resilience, and self-respect. We’re proud of every student who participates and thankful for the families who stand behind them.
by Scott Knowles | May 10, 2025 | News
In martial arts, we often talk about technique, discipline, and growth. But one of the most enduring parts of karate isn’t just what we do on the floor — it’s how we build one another up. Recognition is a deeply ingrained part of our community culture at the Bushido Karate Association. We recognize effort, we celebrate progress, and we uplift those who make a difference.
Recognition is about more than belts or medals. It’s about taking a moment to say, “I see what you’re doing. Keep going.” It’s the encouragement from a senior student to a white belt, the quiet consistency of someone who never misses class, the extra effort to help set up or clean up, and the quiet leadership shown by example rather than words.
At BKA, we believe that recognition fuels commitment. When we acknowledge the contributions of our students and instructors, we reinforce the values that make us who we are: perseverance, humility, and community. So the next time you see someone giving their all — on or off the floor — take the time to recognize it. A little appreciation can go a long way.
by Scott Knowles | Sep 2, 2024 | Classes, News
It brings us immense joy to announce the start of our fall karate semester and to welcome you back to the dojo! The dedication and passion of our members for karate have always been an inspiration to us, and we are excited to continue this journey together.
As we resume our training sessions, rest assured that we have taken every precaution to ensure your safety and well-being. Our instructors have been eagerly preparing to provide you with top-notch training, engaging workouts, and the camaraderie that makes our karate family special. Whether you’re beginning your training, returning after a break, or continuing your journey from where you left off, we’re thrilled to have you on the dojo floor. Your presence contributes to the unique energy of our program, and we’re looking forward to achieving new milestones together.
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NEW OPEN HOUSE AT BKA DOJO — September 7th, 2024
This year, the first class at BKA for beginners will function as an open house! The dojo doors will open at 9:15AM. We will be available for a meet and greet with parents/kids, and to answer any questions you or your kids may have.
From 9:30AM-10:30AM* we will run our open house session at the dojo, giving kids an opportunity to try out the different elements of a karate class and get a feel for our program. Parents are welcome to participate during the open house session too!
White Stripes are welcome to train during this class, and welcome their new club mates.
*Note: After the open house, the white/white stripe intro classes will be the standard 90 minutes, running from 9:00AM-10:30AM.
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Youth Class Times
All classes are held at Grandview Heights Community Hall — 12603 63 Avenue.
Our Youth Fall Term begins on Saturday September 7th, and will conclude with the youth grading on December 7th (or 14th — TBD), 2024.
Registration for the Fall 2024 term will close on September 30th, 2024, or earlier if classes are filled.
Introductory Youth Class
Ranks: Beginners (White Belts), and White Stripes
Time: Saturdays — 9:00AM-10:30AM
Parents are welcome to train in the introductory class along side their children, free of charge!
Intermediate Youth Classes
Times: Saturdays — 10:30AM-12:00PM, Tuesdays — 6:30PM-7:30PM (Students are welcome to attend Tuesdays AND Saturdays as their schedule allows).
Ranks: Yellow Belts, Yellow Stripe Belts, Orange Belts, Orange Stripes, Green Belts, Green Stripes, Blue Belts
Stay up to date on class information at: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/classes-and-events/youth-classes/
Classes are appropriate for students ages 6 to 13. Students under the age of 6 are not eligible to join this program.
Registration for the term gives you unlimited access to all classes appropriate for your rank, for the duration of the term. You can train as often as your schedule allows!
Uniforms are not required. Members are welcome to train in comfortable workout clothes. If you would like a uniform, they are available to purchase through the club once the term begins.
Members are reminded to stay home if they feel unwell, until symptoms resolve.
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Referral Program
If you have any friends or family that are interested in joining our karate program, please refer them to us! If they sign up for our program and let us know they were referred by you, you can order a light-weight gi (uniform) free of charge! That gi can be for you or for them — that’s up to you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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Registration
We require that all students complete our registration form. This includes our Member Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy.
Complete our on-line registration form here: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/
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Fee Payment
Payment for term fees as listed above can be completed by eTransfer to sales@edmonton-karate.com.
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Equipment
Are you or a family member looking for new gear? The BKA will be accepting orders for new gear online, available at this link: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/members/order-equipment/
by Scott Knowles | Sep 2, 2024 | Classes, News
It brings us immense joy to announce the start of our fall karate semester and to welcome you back to the dojo! The dedication and passion of our members for karate have always been an inspiration to us, and we are excited to continue this journey together.
As we resume our training sessions, rest assured that we have taken every precaution to ensure your safety and well-being. Our instructors have been eagerly preparing to provide you with top-notch training, engaging workouts, and the camaraderie that makes our karate family special. Whether you’re beginning your training, returning after a break, or continuing your journey from where you left off, we’re thrilled to have you on the dojo floor. Your presence contributes to the unique energy of our program, and we’re looking forward to achieving new milestones together.
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Adult Class Times
All classes are held at Grandview Heights Community Hall — 12603 63 Avenue.
Our Adult Fall Term begins on Friday September 6th, and will conclude with the adult grading on December 13th, 2024.
Registration for the Fall 2024 term will close on September 30th 2024, or earlier if classes are filled.
Beginner/All Ranks Adult Classes
Ranks: Beginners (White Belts), Yellow Belts and Up (through Black Belts)
Times: Fridays — 6:30PM-8:00PM, Sundays — 6:00PM-8:00PM
Advanced Adult Classes
Ranks: Blue Belts and Up (through Black Belts)
Times: Fridays — 7:30PM-9:00PM
Black Belt Classes
Ranks: Black Belts Only
Times: Tuesdays — 7:30PM-9:00PM
Stay up to date on class information at: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/classes-and-events/adult-classes/
Registration for the term gives you unlimited access to all classes appropriate for your rank, for the duration of the term. You can train as often as your schedule allows!
Uniforms are not required. Members are welcome to train in comfortable workout clothes. If you would like a uniform, they are available to purchase through the club once the term begins.
Members are reminded to stay home if they feel unwell, until symptoms resolve.
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Referral Program
If you have any friends or family that are interested in joining our karate program, please refer them to us! If they sign up for our program and let us know they were referred by you, you can order a light-weight gi (uniform) free of charge! That gi can be for you or for them — that’s up to you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
——
Registration
We require that all students complete our registration form. This includes our Member Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy.
Complete our on-line registration form here: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/
——
Fee Payment
Payment for term fees as listed above can be completed by eTransfer to sales@edmonton-karate.com.
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Equipment
Are you or a family member looking for new gear? The BKA will be accepting orders for new gear online, available at this link: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/members/order-equipment/
by Scott Knowles | Sep 15, 2021 | Classes, News
You have likely already heard the new Public Health protocols laid out by the provincial government.
The full protocols are available here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
In response to these measures, the BKA will implement the following changes to the adult program, effective immediately:
Adult Classes:
As of Thursday, Sept 16:
- Implement Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of double vaccination from all adult members to be able to attend classes
- “Check-in” table to confirm and document proof of vaccination before class
- Proof of vaccination only need be presented once
- Implement Restrictions Exemption Program as above for any youth program members wishing to also attend adult classes
- Suspend high intensity interval/cardio portion of strength training; will reassess every 2 weeks
- Suspend all partner work; will reassess every 2 weeks
- To reduce numbers on the floor, Friday adult classes will no longer have a crossover period between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Students may either arrive at the 6:00 pm start time, or at the 7:30 pm start time. Students who start at 6:00 pm are welcome to attend the full 3 hrs if they so desire.
- Reinforce symptom screening before class
- Symptom checklist prominently displayed at entrance to facility
- Students are asked to review symptom checklist at home before class, and not attend if they screen positive
- Continue with enhanced cleaning protocols, open windows for airflow, etc., as outlined in previously circulated Covid policy (available on website)
The BKA will continue to monitor, react to, and exceed recommended public health measures.
With regards to the Restrictions Exemption Program, proof of vaccination with both doses can be provided in the following ways:
- Print out/screenshot of vaccination statement from https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords
- Print out/screenshot of vaccination card from https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords (available as of Sunday Sept 19)
- Hard copy/photograph/screenshot of vaccination sheet provided at time of vaccination
The BKA is committed to acting in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of its members, and fully supports this policy enacted by the provincial government. With this program in place, you and your fellow club members will be able to continue to train in an activity you enjoy, in a safe, responsible, and stress-free way. Not following this policy would have required a shut down of club operations for the foreseeable future and full transition back to ZOOM.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we navigate the pandemic.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
We look forward to seeing you at the dojo!
by Scott Knowles | Sep 15, 2021 | Classes, News
You have likely already heard the new Public Health protocols laid out by the provincial government.
The full protocols are available here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
The BKA is committed to acting in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of its members, and in enabling students to continue to train in a safe, responsible, and stress-free way. Of note, our existing Covid policy already follows many of the restrictions outlined in the latest provincial guidance.
In response to these new measures, the BKA will take the following actions effective immediately:
Youth Classes:
Falls under “18 and under” restrictions.
As of Thursday, Sept 16:
- Reinforce symptom screening before class
- Implement temporary “check-in” screening table before class for at least the next two weeks
- Symptom checklist prominently displayed at entrance to facility
- Parents/students are asked to review symptom checklist at home before class, and not attend if they screen positive
- Suspend all partner work; will reassess every 2 weeks
- 2 m social distancing at all times
- Instructors will be masked at all times
- Parent/spectator seating will be limited and distanced
- Continue with enhanced cleaning protocols, open windows for airflow, etc., as outlined in previously circulated Covid policy (available on website)
The BKA will continue to monitor, react to, and exceed recommended public health measures.
For any older youth program students who also wish to attend adult program classes:
The adult program is subject to different restrictions and in particular will be implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program to be able to continue to operate. This means that youth program students will be required to provide proof of double vaccination in order to attend adult classes. Note that this only applies to students who wish to attend adult program classes. Students only attending youth program classes DO NOT need to provide proof of vaccination.
Proof of vaccination with both doses can be provided in the following ways:
- Print out/screenshot of vaccination statement from https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords
- Print out/screenshot of vaccination card from https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords (available as of Sunday Sept 19)
- Hard copy/photograph/screenshot of vaccination sheet provided at time of vaccination
Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we navigate the pandemic.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
We look forward to seeing you at the dojo!
