by Scott Knowles | Oct 19, 2018 | Clinics
A reminder about our upcoming BKA Bunkai Clinic!
The process of Bunkai and the understanding of fighting principles it unlocks is being formally reviewed by the SWKKF through its Bunkai Committee, and will be forming a part of the SWKKF black belt grading curriculum in the near future. Our clinic will be a pilot of a Level 2 course, in which students will learn and apply bunkai techniques to understand the kata Pinan Yodan. This is an exciting opportunity for students to receive advance instruction in this higher-level practice from three knowledgeable and experienced Bunkai instructors.
October 27th, 2018, 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Mother Margaret Mary School, Edmonton
Cost: $40/Registration – Paid at the Door
• This event is open to all SWKKF member clubs, and will continue to explore how bunkai can uncover practical applications for wado kata.
• Rank Recommendations: Youth Members – Orange and Up, Aged 10 and Above, Adult Members – All Ranks
Register Today for Saturday’s exciting event! Pre-Registration is Required!
https://www.edmonton-karate.com/bunkaiclinic.html
by Scott Knowles | Sep 27, 2018 | Fitness Testing
Adult Club Members,
Just a reminder that Friday night, September 28 at Grandview Heights from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, we will be holding our annual Fall Fitness Testing. We first ran Fitness Testing in September of 2006, and have continued every year since. The September tests in particular are a great way to benchmark where your starting fitness level is at for the upcoming season.
Come in comfortable work-out clothes and runners, and bring any fitness trackers you may have as well as a stop-watch, tape measure, and perhaps motivational tunes on your phone for the tougher tests.
See you there!
by Scott Knowles | Sep 17, 2018 | Clinics
The BKA’s focus will always be martial arts – but a focus that is just as important to our instructor staff is supporting our members in a healthy and active lifestyle. The amalgamation of these goals is reflected in our club’s tagline, “Fitness With a Purpose”. One of the biggest differences between our youth and adult programs is an added 30 minutes of dedicated strength training in every class that focuses on overall fitness for our sport, but also larger athletic success.
We would like to expand that offering to our older youth members with introductory strength training classes!
These classes will be focused on elementary body/light weight exercises designed for youth members.
These will be offered once a month, and are free of charge for all BKA youth members 9+ from Grandview and the Derrick Club.
These classes are also highly encouraged for BKA Tournament Team members.
Our first training will be hosted at the Grandview Dojo on September 23rd from 3:00PM – 4:30PM.
If your child is coming out, please take a moment to register online – at this link!
Register online!
We hope to see you there!
by Scott Knowles | Sep 6, 2018 | News
Parents and Club Members,
The Bushido Karate Association maintains a presence on several platforms so we can reach students and friends online.
If you’d like to keep up to date with announcements and information posted from our instructors, you can like us on Facebook!
by Scott Knowles | Aug 20, 2018 | Classes
Our Youth Program Classes resume on Saturday, September 8th.
All classes are at Grandview Heights Community Hall 12603 63 Avenue.
Training for students currently ranked White, White Stripe, Yellow, and Yellow Stripe is on Saturday mornings from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, and on Tuesdays evenings from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. This term will conclude with our annual youth winter grading in December.
Training for students currently ranked Orange, Orange Stripe, Green, Green Stripe, Blue, and Blue Stripe is on Saturday mornings from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, and on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. This term will conclude with our annual youth winter grading in December.
Note: The minimum age to attend BKA classes is 6 years.
Note: Parents can train for free during the youth class. You’ll receive instruction in the same techniques, and this offers a unique perspective for you as a parent into the experience and skills your child is building.
by Scott Knowles | Aug 20, 2018 | Classes
Our Adult Program Classes resume on Friday, September 7th.
All classes are at Grandview Heights Community Hall 12603 63 Avenue.
Training for students currently ranked White, Yellow, Orange, and Green, and Blue is on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, and on Sunday evenings from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. This term will conclude with our annual adult winter grading in December.
Training for students currently ranked Blue, Brown, and Black is on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM, and on Friday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. These students are also welcome to train during the introductory classes on Friday and Sunday, as listed above. This term will conclude with our annual adult winter grading in December.
We require that all students (new and returning) complete our registration process.
Complete our on-line registration form here: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/registeronline.html
Payment is by cash or cheque and can be completed at the first class.
Are you looking for new gear? The BKA will be accepting orders for new gear online, available at this link: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/orderequipment.html
by Scott Knowles | Aug 20, 2018 | News
The Bushido Karate Association is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this fall, and we’ll be marking the milestone with year-round special events and commemoratives for members.
We’re honoured to have so many long-time members, and to have played a role in shaping young lives through martial arts training for so long.
The first reveal of our 25th anniversary year is our new logo! We have now honourably retired the old logo, and begin the celebration of our 25th anniversary with this new design!
Sensei James Freeman will be delving into the symbolism and ideas behind the logo in the coming days, taking the time to explore what it means to us as an organization – but in the meantime here is a brief note on some of the style elements and symbolism that went into this design:
The broken circle design can be interpreted in many ways, but was initially based on the ensō, a symbol from Japanese Zen Buddhism representing strength and enlightenment. The ensō circle is drawn in one or two uninterrupted brush strokes. When the circle is closed, it represents perfection. The open circle as seen here acknowledges imperfection as well as representing space for development and improvement. Drawing the ensō is a meditative practice, often performed daily, with the artist always striving towards greater mastery.
The maple leaf, of course, represents Canada, while the red rising sun circle nods to the Japanese heritage of our martial art.
Within the circle is the kanji for “Bushidō” (“dō” = way, “bushi” = warrior; collectively, “way of the warrior).
by Scott Knowles | Aug 6, 2018 | News, Tournaments
Club Members,
Last year the Bushido Karate Association launched it’s own tournament team! Our team members received specialized training at exclusive training sessions throughout the year, and every member saw successes at the events they attended.
We’re now ready to select our Year 2 team! The selection process is available for members ranked Green and up, and will be hosted on September 16th at the Grandview Dojo.
To register to participate in the tryouts process, please take a moment to fill out the registration form online.
Register Online!
by Scott Knowles | May 15, 2018 | News
The Bushido Karate Association is offering an exciting summer camp for your karate kid! The camp will include opportunities to further karate training in both kata and kumite, as well as enrichment in self-defense, technique, and physical fitness. Your son or daughter will be able to enjoy indoor and outdoor karate, sports, and crafts. Come join us, and have fun!
Register now!
This year the students will get to try…
OLYMPIC KUMITE
Students will learn the rules of the international ring, work on their kumite strategy, and test their speed and agility with fun and challenging drills!
INTERNATIONAL KATA
A wide range of unique and interesting katas are performed on the international stage. Your child can try out movements and techniques from different styles of karate, and maybe even learn a cool new kata!
BUNKAI
The art of analyzing kata to find the application behind the moves. We’ll learn about practical self-defense techniques contained within some of the katas the students are already familiar with.
We may have a few surprise guests coming too…
Sign up now for a fun-filled, active, and exciting week!
Grandview Heights Community Hall
12603 63rd Ave, Edmonton
July 23rd – July 27th, 2018
8:30AM – 3:30PM
Cost: $150/child
Fees payable by Cash or Cheque. Payable on the first day of the camp.
Note: Minimum of 10 Students Registered by June 20th, 2018 for camp to go forward.
Register Online at this link: https://www.edmonton-karate.com/summercamp.html
by Scott Knowles | May 12, 2018 | Gradings, News
Great grading last night! Congratulations to the 18 adult club members who achieved new ranks ranging from yellow to brown. We had a beautiful night in Edmonton, and were able to move parts of the grading outside to add to the memorable experience. Thank you as well to the 17 yodansha from the BKA who participated in the Joseke Board, and to the other 11 club members who helped make the event special.
