New Term, New Confidence: Youth Karate Registration Opens for Fall 2026

by Scott Knowles | Aug 17, 2026 | News

Summer break is winding down, and the dojo floor is calling. Whether your child has been training with us for years, is picking things back up after a break, or has never set foot on a mat before, Fall Term registration is officially open at Bushido Karate Association — and we’d love to welcome them in.

Not Sure If It’s For Them? Come to Our Open House

We’re kicking off the term differently this year. Our first Youth class, on Saturday, September 12th, doubles as an Open House. Doors open at 9:15 AM for a meet-and-greet with instructors and fellow parents, and from 9:30–10:30 AM, kids get hands-on with real class elements — drills, partner work, and a genuine feel for what our program is about. Parents are welcome to jump in and try it alongside their kids, too.

White Belts, White Stripes, and Yellow Belts are all invited to train that day. After the Open House, the class settles into its regular weekly rhythm.

What Kids Actually Learn Here

Karate at BKA isn’t just about kicks and punches. Our curriculum is built around kata bunkai — the practical, real-world application behind every traditional movement — paired with age-appropriate self-protection skills and the kind of structured, disciplined training that builds genuine confidence over time. Kids leave with more than a new belt; they leave knowing how to focus, how to fall and get back up, and how to carry themselves.

Fall Term at a Glance

• Term dates: September 12th – December 12th, 2026
• Registration closes: October 1st, 2026 (or earlier if classes fill)
• Location: Grandview Heights Community Hall, 12603 63 Avenue
• Ages: 6–13

Class Schedule by Rank

Introductory (White Belts, White Stripes) Saturdays, 9:00–10:30 AM — one class per week.

Intermediate (Yellow Belts through Blue Belts) Yellow Belts train Saturdays 9:00–10:30 AM alongside the Introductory class, plus Tuesdays 6:30–7:30 PM. Yellow Stripe and up train Saturdays 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, plus Tuesdays 6:30–7:30 PM.

Registration gives your student unlimited access to every class that fits their rank for the entire term — they can train as often as their schedule allows. Uniforms aren’t required to start; comfortable workout clothes are fine, and gis are available for purchase once the term is underway.

Ready to Join Us?

Every student needs a completed registration form on file, which includes our Member Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy. You can register online any time before spots fill up.

Register for Fall 2026 →

Know a Family Who’d Love This?

If you refer a friend or family member and they mention your name when they sign up, you’ll receive a free lightweight gi — for you or for them, your choice.

Looking to gear up before the term starts? New equipment is available to order any time through our online store.

We can’t wait to see your student on the floor this fall.

Start Your Fall Term Strong: Adult Karate Registration Now Open

by Scott Knowles | Aug 17, 2026 | News

Summer’s winding down, and it’s almost time to get back on the floor. Whether you’ve trained with us for years, are returning after time away, or have just been thinking about giving karate a try for the first time, Fall Term registration is now open at Bushido Karate Association — and there’s a class built for wherever you’re starting from.

Training That Actually Translates

Our adult program isn’t built around forms for the sake of forms. We train kata bunkai — the practical application hidden inside traditional movements — alongside real self-protection skills and modern conditioning: think Tabata intervals, HIIT, and plyometrics woven into class. It’s a program designed by instructors who’ve competed nationally and trained under some of the sport’s most respected bunkai specialists, and it shows in how classes are run.

Fall Term at a Glance

• Term dates: September 11th – December 18th, 2026
• Registration closes: October 1st, 2026 (or earlier if classes fill)
• Location: Grandview Heights Community Hall, 12603 63 Avenue

Find Your Class

Beginner/All Ranks — White Belts through Black Belts Fridays 6:30–8:00 PM, Sundays 6:00–8:00 PM

Advanced — Blue Belts and up Tuesdays 7:30–9:00 PM

Black Belt — Black Belts only (Blue Belts and up are welcome to sit in if interested) Fridays 7:30–9:00 PM

Registration gives you unlimited access to every class that fits your rank for the whole term, so you can train as often as your schedule allows. No uniform required to start — comfortable workout clothes are fine, and gis are available to purchase once the term is underway.

Ready to Get Started?

Every member needs a completed registration form on file, including our Member Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy. Register online anytime before spots fill up.

Register for Fall 2026 →

Bring a Training Partner

Refer a friend or family member, and once they sign up and mention your name, you’ll receive a free lightweight gi — keep it for yourself or hand it off, your call.

Need to gear up before your first class? New equipment is available anytime through our online store.

We’re looking forward to another strong term on the floor with you.

Adult Grading: Rising to the Challenge

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.

Team Training: Sharpening the Blade Together

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.

Celebrating Black Belt Success at the Alberta Provincial Grading

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.

Tournament Season Highlights: Medals, Grit, and Team Spirit

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.

Chinto Bunkai Clinic: From Kata to Combat

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.

Youth Grading: A Celebration of Growth

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.