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British Shotokan Karate ~ Overview:

The Senior Instructor (Sensei) for the 'British Shotokan Karate Club' is 'Chaz Edwards' who has been doing different training for over 30 years.  The ‘BKS – British Shotokan Karate Club Inc.’ has been set up to help families learn a martial art, self-defense and weapons in a Christian fun filled manner.  Chaz started this Christian Karate Club / Ministry over a decade ago to help families strengthen their gifts so they in turn go out and help others.

  

   ~ Sensei Chaz is also a Certified Life Coach with the Certified Coaches Federations




​British Shotokan Karate ~ Location & Training Times:
  • We were training in Calgary (Montgomery - Close the Children's Hospital) and train twice a week - Monday & Thursday nights 
  • We except kids Age 5 & up in our karate club and we have several students still active in their 60's
  • We currently have a large number of black belts in this Karate club who also kindly help teach the students to help with their training and various levels

British Shotokan Karate ~ Objective & Goals:
  • To have a Karate club that maintains extremely high standards year to year
  • To run the Karate Club as a Christian Ministry to help others
  • To pray before and after each Karate Lesson and at the start / for each belt level at a karate grading
  • To review family Christian values from the bible to all students in the class
  • To teach Karate, Self-defense, Weapons and Applications so that adults and kids learn to defend themselves correctly
  • To help build family relationships by working together within the class
  • To show ancient weapons, how to use them in a safe and controlled manner
  • To have profits go back into the club (for equipment) or donated to Christian Ministries

British Shotokan Karate ~ Colour Belt Gradings:
  • Colour Belt Gradings are conducted twice a year in the month of June and December 
  • Black Belt Gradings are conducted once a year which is a private grading 
  • Students only grade with Sensei’s permission and if they have demonstrated they can achieve the high standards required for their next belt

British Shotokan Karate ~ Uniform / Equipment:
  • All uniforms (GI's) equipment and weapons can be obtained from the club – please see Sensei for details 

British Shotokan Karate ~ Clothing:
  • We also have a clothing line within the "British Shotokan Karate Club” for all ages - please see Sensei for details

British Shotokan Karate ~ Self-Defense & Weapons Training:
  • Basic Self Defense (Level 1) ~ Taught at all levels in a safe and controlled manner
  • Intermediate Self Defense (Level 2) ~ Taught to all Senior Belt levels 
  • Advanced Self Defense (Level 3) ~ Taught to all Black Belt Students & those training for their 1st Dan Black Belt
  • Ancient Weapons are taught at the senior belt level (Orange Belt & above) and the following weapons are taught:
    • BO Weapon
    • Nunchaku Weapon
    • Sword Weapon - Cold Steel
    • Sword Weapon - Real (Black Belts Only)
    • Tonfa / Night Stick Weapon

British Shotokan Karate ~ Kumite Training:
  • Basic Kumite is taught to students at all levels
  • Free style Kumite is taught to all Black Belts and all students training for their Black Belt

For more details on this Karate Club please contact Sensei at [email protected]

British Shotokan Karate ~ Testimonies
1 - BKS ~ Colour Belt Family
  • My son and I joined the club several years ago.  At the time I believed the primary benefit would be learning martial arts.  Although that goal has definitely been achieved and then some, what I didn’t realize was just how much this club would shape our lives beyond the technical aspects of Karate. 
  • Walking into the gym each Monday and Thursday is often like walking through the front door of your home.  The members of the club are truly a ‘family’ who from day one welcomed us.  We train, punch and kick each other, and at the same time share our struggles, pray for and care for each other. 
  • I ended up losing my job a year after joining the club.  I came the day that happened looking to let out my frustration and anger.  Instead, a message was shared about life’s ups and downs and how God has a plan that we often times are unable to see until the chapter ends. 
  • Three months later I had a new job that was a drastic step up from where I was.  I remembered the message that was shared, the truth behind it and my faith was strengthened.  To me, these are the true benefits of being a part of this ministry.
 
2 - BKS ~ Colour Belt
  • I've had the pleasure of learning and training at the British Shotokan Karate club for about a year, and my experience has been awesome!  The community is warm, encouraging and helpful, and I never felt unsafe or insecure at any time when I was in classes. 
  • I loved that we prayed before and after training, enjoyed the encouraging messages, and got a great workout every class.  In no time I was meeting great people and really felt a part of a very special community. 
  • The class instructor and senior belts were all very approachable and kind too, always willing to help me out with techniques and any questions I had.  Although the training was intense and hard work, there was always a light feeling about the community.  I can say confidently that of the many martial arts training facilities I've learned in, this one is by far the most fun!  The British Shotokan Karate Club is not your average martial arts club. It raises the bar!

3 - BKS ~ Colour Belt Family
  • The karate club is great for all ages, from 6 yr olds, to me in my 60's who attends with a teenage son, and my son-in-law and grandson.  All ages, and all levels amazingly working together.  You can do it as a family, instead of running to separate classes on different days, and family costs are very low.
  • Chaz runs it as a ministry, and newcomers are matched with an experienced student for self-defence exercises. It blesses you, to have black-belts willing to invest in beginners.
  • I am aware that my quality of life as I get older, will depend on me staying active, and karate has improved my balance, flexibility and cardio fitness.  My doctor at a regular check up said, whatever I was doing, to keep on doing it! I know she was amazed at my lack of complaints.  I had once injured a shoulder, and it was then much weaker than the other one, but this is no longer an issue. By working at what ever level you are at, you improve at your own speed. 
  • I am now one of the senior belts, and think it is very funny for me to be a karate gramma.  I would NEVER have guessed that!   If an unsuspecting bad guy ever tries to steal this gramma’s purse, my adrenaline should connect with my karate training to surprise us both.

4 - BKS ~ Colour Belt Family
  • As a parent, I have a few expectations for my children:
                 1. Do the best you can in everything you do
                 2. Be involved in something to stay physically active/fit throughout your life. 
  • When my son came to me and said he wanted to do martial arts, I was excited!  I can finally go and do Aikido with him!  However, a friend from church recommended the “British Shotokan Karate Club” and my son had his heart set on checking it out first.  We agreed to attend for an evening to try it out.  The way the Lord works constantly astonishes me!  We both enjoyed it so much, we decided to stay. 
  • Since joining this karate club, my faith has deepened.  I used to be a Sunday Christian in search of more. I now spend more time with God in prayer, meditation and action. 
  • I credit this to the power of the Lord in working through the karate club and through Chaz.  The fun and wisdom he shares through teaching/messages and martial arts take root in his faith in God.  I look forward to growth spiritually, mentally, and physically every lesson!
  • I have faith this testimony will bring others closer in their walk with the Lord. I know it will save others!

 5 - BKS ~ Black Belt Family
  • It's a great mix of serious martial arts training, and fun. The club's family approach has given me the opportunity to do karate with each of my kids, and watch their skills, abilities, and confidence grow.
  • It's been great for my fitness and has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, as well as lead and teach. 
  • Feels like I'm not just a member of a club, but a member of a community.

6 - BKS ~ Black Belt 
  • I enjoy the discipline, exercise for fitness, learning processes that keep the brain sharp such as katas, the ministry and the routine that makes up Chaz’s Karate Club.  He not only teaches karate, but he also includes self defense and weapons training. 
  • From a personal perspective, the classes provide a stress relief from a difficult day at work, social interaction with those training from age 5 into their 60’s.  It is a safe environment for everyone and it has provided protection for children who have faced bullies at school to adults who have also experienced physical threats.
  • Chaz runs the Club as a non-profit way of life that he has run for 15 years with the intent of giving back to the Community and making a DIFFERENCE in society
  • May God Bless you and your Club!

7 - BKS ~ New Colour Belt Family 
  • "My son and I are new to the club, and we are very much enjoying it.  Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and it is a fun environment to learn in. 
  • I appreciate the help of the Black Belts that have been patiently working with us in class one on one, and the encouragement from Sensei. It is so nice to have a class that we can attend together.
  • It is expanding our minds through Sensei's talks and increasing our physical abilities. We are both so happy to be part of this group." 

8 - BKS ~ Colour Belt Family
  • People always ask - why did you choose karate?  At first, I would answer “Because I want my children to know discipline and how to properly react and defend themselves”.  But then, that never explained why my husband and I joined too.
  • Let’s just take the obvious off the table, it’s not just because our children are young. It’s not just that we are already there so we may as well participate. It is So much more. 
  • Our karate club is like family.  In fact, many of us have been together since first joining.  It’s a fellowship and it’s supporting one another to be the best soldiers for the Lord that we can be. 
  • I love knowing that my children are receiving world class training.  That if for any reason, they need to defend themselves then they will be successful in doing so.  I know that working towards your black belt in this club - once you get to that level you have earned it.  You now have the training for your mind to jump in and allow your body to naturally do what you need to do to defend yourself. 
  • I love the confidence that my karate training has given me. I love how quickly I can react to my surroundings. I know if I feel this way, I’m certain that my husband and children do as well.