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). 

Congratulations to JUSTIN WHITE from the HONBU DOJO for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  JUNE. Justin is a quiet soul and listens very intently in class. He demonstrates great focus and is very serious about his training.  His techniques and overall courtesy and respect are well advanced for this samurai who is so young in age. Justin is a pleasure to have in class and we hope he will continue his martial arts path for a many years to come. Congratulations Justin.!

MAY'S KARATKE OF THE MONTH...

BRAD UNTINEN, RIMBEY DOJO

Congratulations to Brad Untinen from the Rimbey Dojo for receiving the tile of Karateka of the Month, for May.

Brad joined the Dojo in the Fall of '09 and we are so proud of all of his accomplishments. Brad works very hard in the Dojo and strives to do his best; he takes his training very seriously. He is eager to learn and thus, very dedicated to the martial arts. Brad competed in this past April's, Alberta Bushido Open, and did very well for his first tournament. He showed lots of strength and courage. Keep up the great work, Brad!

APRIL'S KARATEKA OF THE MONTH...

Robin Steckler , Honbu Dojo, Sylvan Lake.

Robin began her martial arts training last September and she demonstrates an abundance of kime (focus) and potential. She is kind, gentle and very patient with everyone she comes in contact with. In addition, Robin's karate and self defense skills are very strong for her age and rank. We hope she will always continue her martial arts path! Reach for the stars, Robin. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Shelby Lane from the RIMBEY DOJO for receiving the title “Karateka (student) of the Month”, for  APRIL.  Shelby is such a kind and quiet soul. She has trained in Goju Ryu Karate for nearly 2 years. She is very patient and kind to others. Shelby has a lot of potential and it will continue to evolve and show as she furthers her training the martial arts; and she has yet to realize all the potential that is in her! Keep up your great work Shelby. Believe in yourself and remember you can do anything!

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!