Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Karate Academy in Calgary
Sannan Karate Academy has been dedicated to teaching traditional Japanese karate since 1984, emphasizing effective self-defense and physical fitness. Our programs are designed to cultivate self-discipline, self-confidence, and character development in students of all ages. We specialize in Renbukai Karate, known for its strong non-contact and full-contact sparring, and Koryu Uchinadi, an old-style Okinawan karate system that includes blocking, striking, throws, and weapons defense. Our instructors bring decades of experience, including international training and competition, ensuring students receive expert guidance in a safe, controlled environment. We prioritize holistic growth, combining physical conditioning with mental focus and spiritual awareness.Classes are tailored to individual fitness levels, fostering a supportive atmosphere where students progress at their own pace. Our children's classes focus on safety, fun, and foundational skills, while adult classes incorporate advanced techniques like pressure point submissions and grappling. As an accredited school with Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu, we maintain rigorous standards of excellence and authenticity. Our commitment to traditional methods, adapted for modern cultural contexts, ensures a balanced approach to martial arts education. Students benefit from a structured curriculum that promotes resilience, ethical character, and preparedness for real-world challenges.
Services
Karate Classes
Kids Classes
Adult Classes
Kobudo Training
Self-Defense Programs
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined instructor experience in traditional martial arts.
- Our curriculum includes accredited systems like Renbukai and Koryu Uchinadi Karate.
- We prioritize safe, controlled environments for learning effective self-defense.
- Our programs cater to all ages, from children to advanced adult practitioners.
- We emphasize holistic development, combining physical fitness with mental discipline.
Associations and certifications
- Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu
Services
Karate Classes
Our Karate Classes focus on traditional Japanese and Okinawan techniques, emphasizing self-defense, physical fitness, and character development. Students learn blocking, striking, and sparring in a structured environment. The program builds discipline, confidence, and resilience for all skill levels.
Kids Classes
Kids Classes teach foundational karate skills to children aged 614, focusing on safety, fun, and self-confidence. The curriculum includes basic strikes, escapes from holds, and character-building activities. Classes are designed to accommodate varying maturity and fitness levels in a supportive setting.
Adult Classes
Adult Classes offer advanced training in self-defense techniques, including grappling, throws, and pressure point submissions. Participants develop physical strength, mental focus, and practical skills for real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes controlled practice and progressive mastery of complex movements.
Kobudo Training
Kobudo Training teaches traditional Okinawan martial arts weapons and defense techniques. Advanced students learn to handle weapons safely while developing coordination and tactical awareness. This program is available to mature students with instructor approval.
Self-Defense Programs
Self-Defense Programs focus on real-world applications of karate techniques, including responses to common attacks. Training includes drills for escapes, joint manipulation, and situational awareness. The program prioritizes practicality and effectiveness in high-pressure scenarios.
People
Verlin Koch
Sensei
Verlin Koch has over 50 years of martial arts experience, training and teaching karate in Japan and Canada. He specializes in Shoko-Ryu, Renbukai, and Koryu Uchinadi styles, holding high-ranking black belts in each.
Paul Swacha
Instructor
Paul Swacha has trained in karate for 25 years under Sensei Verlin. He focuses on Renbukai and Koryu Uchinadi, emphasizing discipline, fitness, and practical self-defense techniques for students of all levels.
Meela Gunawardena
Instructor
Meela Gunawardena earned her Shodan in 2009 and has competed internationally. She teaches foundational karate skills, blending technical precision with encouragement for students' personal growth.
Questions
What karate styles do you teach?
We teach Renbukai Karate (Japanese) and Koryu Uchinadi (Okinawan), focusing on traditional self-defense techniques, sparring, and weapons training.
Are classes available for children?
Yes, we offer Kids Classes for ages 6–14, emphasizing safety, basic strikes, and character development in a fun, structured environment.
Do you offer adult martial arts training?
Yes, Adult Classes include advanced self-defense techniques like grappling, throws, and pressure point submissions, tailored to all experience levels.
Is Kobudo (weapons training) open to all students?
Kobudo is available to advanced adults and mature students with instructor approval, focusing on traditional Okinawan weapons and defense.
How long has Sannan Karate Academy been operating?
We were founded in 1984 and have provided traditional karate training in Calgary, Alberta, for over 40 years.
