Karate Summer Schedule / BKA Summer Celebration

Club Members, 

With the completion of the clinic series, we have shifted to fully in person classes for the remainder of the summer.We appreciate the continued training each of you has done on Zoom over the past several months.

Summer Term Class Schedule (concludes on September 5th, 2021).
• Tuesday All Ranks Classes (6:30PM – 8:30PM)
• Friday All Ranks Classes (6:30PM – 8:30PM)
• Sunday All Ranks Classes (6:00PM – 8:00PM)

BKA Summer Celebration
The BKA will host our return to dojo summer celebration on Tuesday July 20th, 2021 (from ~8:30PM-9:00PM).  This is a delay of one week due to instructor and student availability.
Come out and celebrate the accomplishments of the organization and its members over the past 18 months.  Awards and rankings will be presented.  The instructor team would love to get photos of everyone at this event, so if you can make it out, please attend! :-).

July 2021 Return to the Dojo

The time has come for the return to the dojo!

Effective Friday July 2nd, in person classes will resume at the Grandview dojo for Black Belts only on Tuesdays and Fridays (until the end of the clinic series).  Black belts may still join classes via zoom if they prefer during this window.  All kyu belts are welcome via zoom.

Effective Sunday July 4th, Sunday classes will resume at the Grandview dojo for all ranks (outdoors).

Effective Tuesday July 13th, all ranks are welcomed back to the Grandview dojo for all classes.

Sunday Zoom sessions will end with the class on June 27th.
Tuesday and Friday Zoom sessions will end with the completion of the clinic series on July 9th.

Summer Class Times effective Tuesday July 13th
Tuesday/Friday Classes: 6:30PM – 8:30PM (All Ranks)
Sunday Class: 6:00PM – 8:00PM (All Ranks)

Class Structure Notes

BKA strongly encourages full vaccination (i.e. 2 doses) against the Covid-19 virus for all members.

BKA commits to following all guidance set forth by the City of Edmonton and Alberta Health Services.

All classes for the month of July will be socially distanced.  

Classes are planned to be taught outdoors in the grass or on the back tarmac.  Please bring appropriate footwear for training outdoors.  During summer training students can choose whether to wear their gi or an athletic top.  We recommend that students bring a gi top in their bag, in case of partnered work involving gripping.

Should weather prevent us from training outdoors (heat or storms), we will move into the dojo, and remain distanced.

Partnered Work (tentative start: August 2021, subject to change)

  • BKA will not do any group interactive drills for the duration of the Summer 2021 term (i.e. rolling line, roaming striking shields, etc). 
  • BKA will commit to offering both partnered and solo versions of drills for the duration of the Summer 2021 term.
  • Notes on partnered activities: 
    • If two students are comfortable working as partners in the class for drills, they are welcome to do so, but both partners must agree to this on an individual basis.
    • No student should feel obligated to work with a partner if they are uncomfortable doing so. Solo versions of all drills will also be offered. 
    • If partnering, BKA asks that students stick with a single dedicated partner for the time being.

As a reminder, if you feel unwell, stay home. 

BKA will continue to practice enhanced cleaning measures (see full documentation of Covid precautions) as well as providing hand sanitizer at all dojo entrances. 

Club Celebration Day on July 13th, 2021
On our first official class back for all members on (Tuesday July 13th), we will take some time at the end of class to celebrate the accomplishments of the members of our organization in the past year.  Come out to support the organization, and your fellow club members!  Pictures will be taken! 🙂

Thank you everyone.  Please feel free to reach out to myself or Sensei Bernadine if you have any questions.

– Senseis Scott and Bernadine

May 2021 Black Belt Grading Results

May 2021 Black Belt Grading Results

The grading in Alberta is now complete. Thank you to the Joseki Board members, and congratulations to the candidates at today’s event!
Twenty-nine candidates, forty-three joseki members, one great day! We were thrilled to see well over 100 people in the zoom session throughout the day, and almost 200 more viewers on YouTube.

On behalf of the Bushido Karate Association and the SWKKF, thank you to everyone who came out to support the event today!
Congratulations to everyone who graded today — and of course, a special congratulations to Sensei Mike and Sensei Adam on your Sandan ranks!

Black Belt Grading This Weekend

There will be no standard classes on Friday night (April 30th), but members of all ranks are welcome to attend the grading workout in Zoom Room 2 from 6:30PM-8:00PM.

Members brown and up are encouraged to participate in the grading as well on Saturday if possible — information attached below.Workout participants are asked to have their cameras turned off for the grading on Saturday, so the grading candidates can be profiled. Members of all ranks are welcome to watch the grading event on Saturday either in the zoom room, or on the YouTube stream that will be posted Saturday morning.

Friday Night Workout
The event will take place on Zoom on April 30th, from 6:30PM-8:00PM (Mountain Time).
Participants and grading candidates are asked to join the Zoom call by 6:25PM and begin warming up.


Saturday Grading
The event will take place on Zoom on May 1st, from 9:00AM-5:00PM (Mountain Time).
Participants and grading candidates are asked to join the Zoom call by 8:45AM and begin warming up.

Zoom Dojo Link (for both days): https://zoom.us/j/99603857052?pwd=ZGFCdnNrNFV4dmRwS1NlOXpTeG1Tdz09
Zoom Password if Requested: bushido

Participants, candidates, and Joseki are reminded to strictly follow guidance set by the Health Officer for your province.
Guidance varies by province, and is subject to change.  Please stay up to date on requirements for your region.

2021 Northern Alberta Pre-Grading

The Northern Alberta Black Belt Pre-Grading has been scheduled and will be hosted by the BKA.  The pre-grading process is strongly recommended for all students looking to grade in May, so that they can be assessed by instructors outside their dojo, and received constructive feedback to assist in their success on grading day. This event will be open to all brown belt students and up. Southern Alberta grading candidates are welcome to attend this event if they are unable to attend the grading in their region.

Date: Sunday March 7th, 2021
Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Online Registration for this event must be competed by end of day on February 27th.

  • This event will be a fully digital session via Zoom.  Zoom information will be distributed to registered participants and joseki members in the week before the event.
  • Primary focus will be on grading techniques, katas, and kihon combinations.  No jiyu kumite or contact karate will be tested at this event.
  • This event is open to attendees from all clubs, ranked Brown and up.  Only pre-grading candidates will be assessed by the Joseki board.
  • Registered Joseki Board members must be ranked Sandan or above.

Action Item: Complete Registration Online for Grading Candidates, Participants, and Joseki Board by end of day on February 27th.

Registration and Information Link: http://www.edmonton-karate.com/events/2021-black-belt-pre-grading/

Youth Classes Resume January 16th, 2021

Club Members, Happy New Year!  

On behalf of our instructor team, I wish you and your families all the best in the new year.  There is still a certain degree of unknowns due to the current restrictions in place by Alberta Health Services, but we are excited to announce our 2021 Return to Karate.

Classes will resume for our youth program on Saturday, January 16th, and complete with the grading on April 24th.
Please take a moment to fill out the applicable registration method listed below.

If we remain in lockdown after January 11th,  live interactive classes will be taught digitally via our zoom dojos.

When we are permitted to re-open our dojo doors, we will shift our classes back to in-person training following the COVID protocols for in-person physical activity that many of our current members are already accustomed to from last term.*

*These protocols may be modified to reflect updated guidance from AHS.

A full breakdown of our protocols are available at this link: http://www.edmonton-karate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BKA-Relaunch-Protocol-v2.pdf

BKA will continue to simulcast the classes in the zoom digital dojos for the entire term, for those members who are uncomfortable or unable to attend in-person.

Class Schedule: 
Tuesday Introductory Classes – White, White Stripe, Yellow, Yellow Stripe, Orange – 5:30PM – 6:20PM
Tuesday Intermediate Classes – Orange Stripe, Green, Green Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe – 6:30PM – 7:20PM
Saturday Introductory Classes – White, White Stripe, Yellow, Yellow Stripe, Orange – 9:30AM – 10:20AM
Saturday Intermediate Classes – Orange Stripe, Green, Green Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe – 10:30AM – 11:30AM


Online Registration: COVID protocols dictate that the BKA must enforce strict class caps, and as such, all classes will be capped at 18 for this term.  Please complete the applicable registration as soon as possible to secure your spot in our program.

Students Returning from Fall 2020 Term: You have all already completed the registration form and waiver, and do not need to complete it again.  Please visit this link to let us know you are returning this term: http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online-returning/

Students Returning from Terms Prior to Fall 2020: Full completion of the BKA Member Application and Waiver is required for participation in classes from the BKA.  If you have completed this form prior to January 1st, 2021, you will need to complete it again.  Please register online for classes at http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/

New Students: Full completion of the BKA Member Application and Waiver is required for participation in classes from the BKA.  If you have completed this form prior to January 1st, 2021, you will need to complete it again.  Please register online for classes at http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/

Adult Classes Resume January 15th, 2021

Club Members, Happy New Year!  

On behalf of our instructor team, I wish you and your families all the best in the new year.  There is still a certain degree of unknowns due to the current restrictions in place by Alberta Health Services, but we are excited to announce our 2021 Return to Karate.

Classes will resume for our adult program on Friday, January 15th.
Please take a moment to fill out the applicable registration method listed below.

If we remain in lockdown after January 11th, live interactive classes will be taught digitally via our zoom dojos.

When we are permitted to re-open our dojo doors, we will shift our classes back to in-person training following the COVID protocols for in-person physical activity that many of our current members are already accustomed to from last term.*
*These protocols may be modified to reflect updated guidance from AHS.

A full breakdown of our protocols are available at this link: http://www.edmonton-karate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BKA-Relaunch-Protocol-v2.pdf

BKA will continue to simulcast the classes in the zoom digital dojos for the entire term, for those members who are uncomfortable or unable to attend in-person.

Class Schedule: 
Tuesday Advanced Classes – Blue Belts and up – 7:30PM – 9:00PM
Friday All Ranks Classes – White Belts and Up – 6:00PM – 7:10PM
Friday Advanced Classes – Blue Belts and up – 7:15PM – 9:00PM
Sunday All Ranks Classes – White Belts and up – 6:00PM – 8:00PM


Online Registration: COVID protocols dictate that the BKA must enforce strict class caps, and as such, all classes will be capped at 18 for this term.  Please complete the applicable registration as soon as possible to secure your spot in our program.

Students Returning from Fall 2020 Term: You have all already completed the registration form and waiver, and do not need to complete it again.  Please visit this link to let us know you are returning this term: http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online-returning/

Students Returning from Terms Prior to Fall 2020: Full completion of the BKA Member Application and Waiver is required for participation in classes from the BKA.  If you have completed this form prior to January 1st, 2021, you will need to complete it again.  Please register online for classes at http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/

New Students: Full completion of the BKA Member Application and Waiver is required for participation in classes from the BKA.  If you have completed this form prior to January 1st, 2021, you will need to complete it again.  Please register online for classes at http://www.edmonton-karate.com/register-online/

Adult Grading on December 11th

Club Members, 

A reminder about our annual fall grading, occurring tomorrow night from 7:00PM-9:00PM.  This event will be hosted on Zoom in Dojo Room 2.

We will have three candidates looked at for grading.  As we can’t do partner work, the grading will have a heavy focus on kata and kumite style waza, movement, and kata presentation.

All members are encouraged to come out and support the club and the candidates!  Students and candidates training are asked to turn on their cameras for the workout.

Sensei James, Sensei Craig, and Sensei Scott will preside over the grading.

Thanks, and we will see you tomorrow!

December Classes

Students, with the completion of the youth term on Saturday, we have moved to a modified schedule for the balance of December. All classes will be taught in the high belt virtual dojo room on Zoom.

Tuesday, December 8th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: James Freeman

Friday, December 11th – Grading
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructors: James Freeman, Craig Pettie, Scott Knowles

Sunday, December 13th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: Scott Knowles

Tuesday, December 15th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: James Freeman

Friday, December 18th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: James Freeman

Sunday, December 20th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: Scott Knowles

Tuesday, December 22nd
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: James Freeman

Friday, December 25th
Time: Class Cancelled

Sunday, December 27th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: Scott Knowles

Tuesday, December 29th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: James Freeman

Friday, January 1st
Time: Class Cancelled

Sunday, January 3rd
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Ranks: Adults, All Ranks
Instructor: Scott Knowles

Two Week Suspension of In-Person Classes

Club Members, 

As you have likely heard, Alberta Health Services has put in place a two-week restriction on all sporting activities.  As such, in-dojo training will cease for the next two weeks for students.


However,  BKA has been simulcasting classes digitally via zoom since the beginning of the term.  This framework will allow us to continue to offer classes to our members at the standard training schedule.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of these classes to continue their training during this short shutdown. The links to attend your classes have been supplied via email.  This will continue though at least November 27th.


For youth classes, a minimum of two instructors will be present on every zoom call.  This is done for the comfort and security of youth members and parents on the call, and will also allow instructors to provide feedback to help students continue to progress.


We will be in touch in the coming days as we learn more. Our team is proud of the work we have done in creating a safe training environment over the past two months. To our knowledge, no cases linked to our activity have occurred. The BKA will continue to be adaptable and remain steadfast in its commitment to providing quality training in a safe and enjoyable way for all of our members.


Thank you, and keep training hard.  See you online!