Affiliated with the prestigious Japan Karate Association (JKA),
JKASKD Canada, Alberta JKA Karate Association, and Karate
Alberta Association, we offer a range of comprehensive programs
designed for all ages and skill levels.
Welcome To
Airdrie J.K.A
Karate
The word “karate” combines two Japanese characters: 空 (kara), meaning “empty,” and 手 (te), meaning “hand.” Thus, karate translates to “empty hand.” By adding the suffix 道 (-do), meaning “way,” karate-do signifies a complete way of life, extending far beyond self-defense. Traditional karate-do teaches that the true opponent is oneself. As Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi stated, “mind and technique become one in true karate.” Karate is a martial art involving a variety of techniques such as blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Training is divided into three key aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).
What is Karate?
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Programs
• Karate for Children, Teens, and Adults: Tailored classes for different age groups and skill levels. • Karate Programs for Schools: Bringing the discipline and benefits of karate to educational institutions. • Self-Defence and Self-Protection: Courses for individuals and groups focusing on practical defence techniques.
Chief Instructor: Daniel Verzotti holds a 6th degree Black Belt (Rokudan) in Karate from the Japan Karate Association and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu from the Hiscoe Ju-Jitsu Schools. Sensei Verzotti is a member of Japan Karate Association, SKD JKA Canada, Karate Alberta Association, and Karate Canada. He began Karate in 1975 in Montreal. He moved to Calgary in 1986 and opened his dojo in Airdrie in January 1999.
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Senpai Mitch Kehler holds a Sandan (3rd Dan) in JKA Shotokan Karate. Began training in 2003 in Chilliwack, BC with Sensei Don Sharp. In 2011, moved to Japan, earning his Shodan (1st Dan) under Sakurai Sensei in April 2012. After relocating to Alberta later that year, he continued his training with Sensei Verzotti, where he now assists with teaching.
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Senpai Shannon Eastveld moved to Airdrie with her family in 2018 and enrolled in Airdrie JKA Karate with her 3 kids. In 2023, she joined Can Ryu Jujitsu with her husband and two oldest kids, also taught by Sensei Verzotti. Prior to 2018, she spent several years learning hand-to-hand combat taught by her ex-army dad, Aikido taught by an MMA Sensei, and Kata, Kihon, Kumite, and weapons-based Kumite in Shotokan Karate. Her special focus is on self-defence and when she is not training in martial arts, you can find her in the air teaching people how to fly aircraft.
Instructors
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403-607-0621
Phone
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