Karate Lineage

Master Gichen Funakoshi,

Founder of modern karate- do, was born in 1868 in Okinawa. In 1922 he introduced karate to Japan where he remained until his death in 1957. Master Funakoshi chose the character Kara (empty) and Te (hand) for its meaning in Zen philosophy, rendering oneself empty of selfish or negative thought; for only with a clear mind, free from the emotions of fear or anxiety can the karate student achieve what he desires. To Master Funakoshi karate-do was not just a fighting art. It was a way of building character. Indeed, it was a way of life.

Master Y. Yaguchi, 8th Dan

Born in 1932 in Hiroshima, Japan, Sensei Yaguchi began karate training in 1952. He tested under Master Funakoshi for his first and second degree black belts. As one of the first graduates of the JKA Instructors Training Program, he has played an important role in the growth of American JKA karate and the internationalization of Shotokan karate.

Vice Chairman and Vice Chief Instructor of the International Shotokan Karate Federation. Master Yaguchi has produced many famous karate-ka's. Master Yaguchi is based in Denver and frequently visits Alberta giving technical direction and organizational support.

Sensei David Jones, 6th Dan

David Jones began his Karate training in England in 1973, and by 1978 had opened his own Dojo. He trained under such Masters as Enoeda and Kanazawa before emigrating to Calgary in 1981. Mr. Jones has participated in many National and International Championships. From 1986 to 1992 he represented Canada on the National Team. He was a kata finalist in the 1990 World Shoto Cup and was Canadian National Kumite Champion in 1991. Mr. Jones is currently a coach for the Canadian National Karate Team and the Chief Instructor for ISKF Alberta. In addition, he is a graduate of the JKA Instructor Program and is a member of the Technical Board of Directors of JKA/WF Canada.

Sensei Robert Westbrook, Nidan

Robert Westbrook began his martial arts training in 1994, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After practicing Goju ryu for 3 years and Hapkido for one year, Robert met and began training in JKA Shotokan karate with Sensei Walter Crockford. Sensei Crockford, having recently returned from Japan as the 93rd graduate of the JKA Instructor Training Program, ran grueling classes. Robert competed as a Brown belt at the 2001 Manitoba Provincial Tournament winning Gold in Both Kata and Kumite. That same year Mr. Westbrook received his Black belt and moved to Cold Lake where he took over as Instructor for the 4 Wing Shotokan Karate Club. In April 2004 Sensei Westbrook successfully graded for Nidan. In 2006 Sensei Westbrook was accepted into the JKA Instructor training program. Sensei Westbrook was instrumental in helping the club in its switch from “4 Wing Shotokan Karate club” to “Northern Alberta Shotokan Karate”. In the summer of 2007 S.Westbrook moved to Ontario leaving the Club in the capable hands on Sensei Angela Skarsen.

Our Clubs Instructor’s

Head Instructor: Sensei Angie Skarsen, Shodan

Sensei Angie Skarsen began training with the 4 Wing Shotokan Karate Club in October 2003 as a brand new White belt student. Ms. Skarsen trains hard and has participated in a multitude of Seminars, Camps, and Competitions along with her fellow Dojo Mates. Ms Skarsen has brought home several medals for the club over the years. In 2005 Sempai Angie took over the role of the Clubs Vice President assisting the President and the board in Running of the Administration of the club and helping to plan all the clubs Karate activities and Social events. Sensei Angie successfully graded for Shodan in April 2007 and Upon Sensei Westbrook’s move to Ontario Sensei Angie has taken over as Head Instructor of the Northern Alberta Shotokan Karate club.

(Photo coming soon) Assistant Instructor: Susan Everest, Shodan

Sensei Sue began her training along side Sensei Angie in October 2003. Mrs. Everest trains hard and has participated in numerous Seminars, Camps, and Championships along with her fellow Dojo mates. Sensei Sue has also brought home several Medals over the years of her training and competing with the club. Sensei Sue successfully Graded for Shodan in April 2007 and the club is grateful to have her as an Instructor and valued member.

(Photo coming soon) Junior Instructor: Douglas Barclay, Shodan

Sensei Douglas has been with the club for many years. He joined as a young Boy and we are happy to be by his side as he grows into a wonderful young man. Sensei Douglas trains very hard side by side with the Adults and is always a great training partner. Sensei Douglas has participated in a multitude of Seminars, Camps, and Competitions along with her fellow Dojo Mates and has brought home a several medals throughout the years. Sensei Angie and Sensei Sue where proud to have him join them in April 2007 to grade for Shodan. Sensei Douglas is now the Junior Instructor and we are grateful to have him share his talents and his dedication with all our members.