Airdrie J.K.A Karate · Since 1999
Traditional Shotokan Karate for all ages and skill levels in Airdrie, Alberta. Build discipline, confidence, and lifelong strength — on and off the dojo floor.
Affiliated with the prestigious Japan Karate Association, we offer authentic Shotokan karate for all ages and skill levels — a path of lifelong discipline, confidence, and growth.
Our dojo was established in Airdrie in January 1999 by Chief Instructor Sensei Daniel Verzotti. Under his guidance, we have built a welcoming, structured environment where students of all ages — from young children to adults — develop not only technical skill, but also character and resilience.
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
Etiquette and mutual respect are the foundation of every class.
We push our limits and celebrate every step of progress.
Genuine dedication to the art and to each other.
The greatest victory is mastery over oneself.
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.
"Mind and technique become one in true karate."
— Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate
The fundamentals — stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks practised repeatedly until they become instinctive. The root of all technique.
Pre-arranged sequences of techniques against imaginary opponents. A moving meditation encoding centuries of karate knowledge.
Partner training and controlled sparring — applying technique and timing in real interaction with another person.
Comprehensive programs designed for all ages and skill levels — from children's first class to competitive black belt training.
All ages welcome
Tailored classes for different age groups and skill levels. Students progress through the JKA belt system with personalized attention and a supportive community.
Educational institutions
Bringing the discipline and benefits of karate directly to schools. We partner with educational institutions to offer structured, curriculum-friendly karate programs.
Individuals & groups
Practical, real-world self-defence courses for individuals and groups of any background or fitness level. Taught by black belt instructors with broad self-protection expertise.
Drop-in for registered students. Your very first class is always free — no experience or equipment required.
| Day | Time | Program | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Karate | All Levels |
| Tuesday | 7:30 – 8:30 PM | Advanced Karate | Advanced |
| Thursday | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Karate | All Levels |
| Thursday | 7:30 – 8:30 PM | Advanced Karate | Advanced |
* Schedule may vary during holidays and tournaments. Contact us to confirm class times before your first visit.
JKA certified black belt instructors with decades of experience and a genuine passion for sharing the art.
7th Dan Black Belt (Nanadan) · 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. He moved to Calgary in 1986 and opened his dojo in Airdrie in January 1999 — establishing a tradition of excellence that continues to this day.
3rd Dan (Sandan) · JKA
Began training in 2003 in Chilliwack, BC with Sensei Don Sharp. In 2011 he moved to Japan, earning his Shodan (1st Dan) under Sakurai Sensei in April 2012. After relocating to Alberta he continued training with Sensei Verzotti, where he now assists with teaching.
1st Dan (Shodan) · JKA · Provincial Level C Judge
Holds a Shodan from the JKA and is a Provincial Level C Judge with Karate Alberta. She has competed at local and provincial levels, trains in Can-Ryu Jujitsu, and brings a broad background in hand-to-hand combat, Aikido, and weapons-based sparring. Her primary focus is self-defence for all ages and backgrounds.
Your first class is free. No experience, no equipment, no excuses — just show up and try.
"Osu!" — the karate spirit of perseverance. We train with discipline and welcome you with open arms.