Calgary J.K.A Karate  ·  Scenic Acres, NW Calgary

Master the Art of Shotokan Karate

Traditional Shotokan Karate for all ages and skill levels in Scenic Acres, NW Calgary. Build discipline, confidence, and lifelong strength — on and off the dojo floor.

25+ Years of Instruction
7th Dan Chief Instructor
JKA Certified Dojo
About Us

Calgary J.K.A Karate

Affiliated with the prestigious Japan Karate Association, we offer authentic Shotokan karate for all ages and skill levels in NW Calgary — a path of lifelong discipline, confidence, and growth.

We train in Scenic Acres at École du Nouveau-Monde under Chief Instructor Sensei Daniel Verzotti. Our aim is to combine high-quality instruction with a friendly atmosphere that any member of the family can enjoy — developing each student, both mentally and physically, through traditional Shotokan Karate.

As Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi stated, traditional karate-do teaches that the true opponent is oneself. We believe karate extends far beyond self-defence: it is a complete way of life.

Affiliated Organizations

Japan Karate Association JKA SKD Canada Karate Canada Alberta JKA Karate Association Karate Alberta Association

Reigi — Respect

Etiquette and mutual respect are the foundation of every class.

Doryoku — Effort

We push our limits and celebrate every step of progress.

Seikaku — Sincerity

Genuine dedication to the art and to each other.

Jishoku — Self-Control

The greatest victory is mastery over oneself.

Philosophy

What is Karate?

Karate is more than fighting — adding the suffix 道 (-dō), meaning "way," transforms it into a complete way of life extending far beyond self-defence.

Kara Empty
Te Hand
The Way
Karate-Dō The Way of the Empty Hand

"Mind and technique become one in true karate."

— Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate

Kihon

The fundamentals — stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks practised repeatedly until they become instinctive. The root of all technique.

Kata

Pre-arranged sequences of techniques against imaginary opponents. A moving meditation encoding centuries of karate knowledge.

Kumite

Partner training and controlled sparring — applying technique and timing in real interaction with another person.

Programs

Training for Every Stage

Comprehensive programs designed for all ages and skill levels — from a child's first class to competitive black belt training.

School Programs

Elementary to high school

Bringing the discipline and benefits of karate directly to schools. We partner with educational institutions to offer structured, curriculum-friendly karate that builds focus, fitness and self-discipline.

  • In-school karate instruction
  • Strength, balance & coordination
  • Certified JKA instructor-led

Self-Defence & Fit4Defense

Individuals & groups

Practical, real-world self-protection for every age and background. Our Fit4Defense program builds empowerment through assertiveness, fitness and life skills — with workshops for men, women, teens and kids.

  • Fit4Defense empowerment program
  • Self-defence & assertiveness workshops
  • Awareness & situational skills

Competition & Private Training

Orange belt & up · all members

Our Kumite Development Program prepares students (orange belt and up, ages 12+) for tournaments and provincial team selection. One-on-one private lessons are also available to fast-track your technique, kata or sparring.

  • Tournament & kumite preparation
  • Speed, timing & sparring drills
  • Private karate / ju-jitsu lessons
Schedule

Weekly Class Schedule

Classes run Monday & Wednesday at École du Nouveau-Monde in Scenic Acres. New members are always welcome — contact us before your first visit.

Day Time Program Level
Monday 6:15 – 7:15 PM Karate Ages 5–8
Monday 6:15 – 7:15 PM Karate All Belts · 9+
Monday 7:15 – 8:15 PM Advanced Karate Green Belt & Up
Wednesday 6:15 – 7:15 PM Karate Ages 5–8
Wednesday 6:15 – 7:15 PM Karate All Belts · 9+
Wednesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM Advanced Karate Green Belt & Up

* Members training twice a week are welcome to also train at our Airdrie dojo at no extra cost. Schedule may vary during holidays — contact us to confirm class times before your first visit.

Once a week $280 Sept – Dec term
Twice a week $495 Sept – Dec term
Association dues $70 Annual · Alberta JKA
New members Free Gi Free uniform on fall sign-up

Family discounts: 10% off training fees for a 2nd family member · 15% off for a 3rd.

Sensei

Your Instructors

JKA certified black belt instructors with decades of experience and a genuine passion for sharing the art.

Sensei Daniel Verzotti

Sensei Daniel Verzotti

7th Dan Black Belt (Nanadan)  ·  Chief Instructor

Chief Instructor

Sensei Verzotti holds a 7th degree Black Belt (Nanadan) from the Japan Karate Association and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu from the Hiscoe Ju-Jitsu Schools. A member of the Japan Karate Association, SKD JKA Canada, Karate Alberta Association, and Karate Canada, he began his karate journey in 1975 in Montreal and moved to Calgary in 1986. With a special interest in self-defence, he attends seminars throughout the year and believes that everyone trains for different reasons — and works to accommodate them all.

Senpai Lyall Hunt

1st Dan (Shodan)  ·  JKA

A dedicated Shodan instructor with the Japan Karate Association, Senpai Hunt assists across our junior and all-levels classes — guiding newer students through kihon, kata and the fundamentals of traditional Shotokan with patience and precision.

Senpai Tianne Foster

2nd Dan (Nidan)  ·  JKA

A Nidan black belt with the Japan Karate Association, Senpai Foster brings energy and technical depth to the dojo floor. She supports students through belt progression, kumite and tournament preparation while reinforcing the discipline and respect at the heart of karate-do.

Contact

Start Your Journey

We're accepting new members aged 5 to adult. No experience, no equipment, no excuses — just reach out and begin.

"Osu!" — the karate spirit of perseverance. We train with discipline and welcome you with open arms.

We'll respond within 24 hours. Your information is never shared.