Every month the Dojo celebrates excellence by carefully choosing a student for the title "Karateka of the Month". The Karateka of the month is chosen based on his or her individual growth in the martial arts and beyond. Some other criteria considered includes:

1.  Academic excellence.

2.  Spirit  in all aspects of training.

3.  Clean and correct Gi presentation.

4. Helpful and supportive to other students.

5.  On time for class.

6.Takes some form of initiative or leadership in the Dojo (for example, helps clean up or helps younger belt levels line up). 

FEBRUARY'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

MATHEW KOGUT, Honbu Dojo (Sylvan Lake)  

Congratulations to MATHEW KOGUT for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  February.  Mathew has been training in Goju Ryu Karatedo for nearly 4 years, and he has demonstrated consistent effort and focus. You can find Mathew always helping in the Dojo ini some shape or form, either assisting in the Lit'l Samurais class or helping sweep and mop the Dojo floor. Mathew is a great example of the true warrior spirit. He always shows an abundance of patience, knowledge and courtesy and respect. Mathew is also a valuable team member of the B-FREE Team...the Dojo's Bully Awareness Team. Congratulations Mathew!  

Kelby Babchuk, Honbu Dojo (Sylvan Lake)  

Congratulations to Kelby Babchuk for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  December.  Kelby is only 6 years old yet has a wise soul as he brings a lot of joy and happiness to everyone he meets! He is dedicated to his training and shows a lot of courtesy and respect...he always greets Sensei Dennis and Sensei Christine with a warm smile and a  genuine “How are you today, Sensei?”. His knowledge regarding intuition, awareness and overall safety is very strong for someone so young. Kelby has also great spirit and as a result, he will achieve very much in life. Congratulations Kelby!  

NOVEMBER'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

SARAH NAGEL,  (Rimbey Dojo)

Congratulations to Sarah Nagel from the Rimbey Dojo for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  November.  Sarah is new to the Karate Program. She is a gentle soul with a lot of potential. Great things are in store for Sarah as she shows the dedication and effort to succeed in all things in her life; she already exhibits a black belt attitude and it is evident that she applies her best in everything that she does. Sarah and her parents, Andy and Barb, also helped out in the “Run for Nepal” and Sarah successful walked the 2.5 km, “Kathmandu Trail”, on Sunday Oct. 25th, in Sylvan Lake.  Keep doing your best Sarah!  And, enjoy your path in Karatedo!

JULY'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

NOAH RICHMOND, Honbu Dojo (Sylvan Lake)
 
Congratulations to Noah! Noah, recently started the karate program and is doing exceptionally well! He is a very inquisitive little boy and always does his best in each class. He takes his training very seriously and looks forward to the opportunity to grade and progress in the martial arts. 

Noah is a great example of someone with a lot of kime (focus) and he is a wonderful role model to others. We hope that Noah will continue to believe himself and all that he can do. He has a very special energy that creates positive change in everyone that he meets!  Congratulations NOAH RICHMOND!

JUNE'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

CHASE FAGNAN, Rimby Dojo

Congratulations to CHASE FAGNAN from the RIMBEY DOJO for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  JUNE.. Chase is only 5 years old and has been training in the karate program for 6 months. He has so much spirit and picks up techniques and information so quickly! He must have been a samurai in his past life, because he certainly exhibits the strength, skill, courtesy, and most importantly patience. When he arrives in the Dojo, he starts his pushups or kata right away, before class begins! Chase is a pleasure to have in the Dojo and we look forward to seeing him grow more in the years to come.

MAY'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

Catalina Garcia, Honbu Dojo (Sylvan Lake)

 

Catalina has been with the Dojo for close to 3 years now, and always exhibits her best. She is a great role model in the Dojo as she is consistent in her training and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is courteous and kind and always brings warmth into the Dojo with her presence. Her little brother, Daniel, recently completed the Lit’l Samurais program, and he too shows great spirit and dedication to his training. Keep believing in yourself, Catalina!

APRIL'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

Connor Nelson, Rimbey Dojo
 

Congratulations to CONNOR NELSON from the RIMBEY DOJO for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  APRIL.  Connor is one of the Dojo’s youngest students (yet so wise) who started in the Lit’l Samurais Program at the age of 3. He has been training in Goju Ryu Karate for almost 2 years now and exhibits a tremendous amount of dedication, patience and effort. Connor is especially polite...a class will never go by where he will thank either Sensei or Sempai for a great karate class! Wow! What a wonderful young boy with so much spirit. He brings light, warmth and always a smile to everyone and anyone he connects to. We are both honored and privileged to have Connor and his parents, Dave & Leanne, a part of the Dojo Family,