Master Class Karatedo - Shotokan Karate Instructors

JKA Nippon Karate Club Red Deer

JKA Nippon Karate Instructors

Dedicated to the core values of traditional Shotokan Karate, we place strong emphasis on cultivating discipline, fostering respect, and providing effective self-defense techniques, all under the expert guidance of Sensei Jonard Corotan and Sensei Sofronio Artezuela. Our dojo is exceptionally proud of the supportive environment we've created, one that nurtures not only physical expertise and technical proficiency in Karate but also strengthens mental resilience and character development in our students. We firmly believe that the discipline and skills acquired through martial arts training extend far beyond the confines of the dojo, impacting and enriching the lives of individuals of all ages. It helps them build unwavering confidence, cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, and gain a profound sense of self-awareness. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey toward personal growth and inner strength, a journey where we encourage every student to push their personal boundaries, glean valuable lessons from every training session, and forge enduring bonds of friendship within our welcoming and supportive community. As instructors, we take pride in preserving and promoting the time-tested traditions and philosophies of Shotokan Karatedo for generations to come.

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Shotokan Master Gichin Funakushi

Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) was a pivotal figure in the popularization of Shotokan karate, a martial art that emphasizes striking techniques such as punching and kicking. Born in Okinawa, Japan, he began training in karate at a young age and studied under masters such as Anko Itosu. In 1922, Funakoshi introduced karate to mainland Japan, where it rapidly gained popularity. He founded the Shotokan style, characterized by its fluid movements and emphasis on kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Funakoshi's teachings focused not only on physical prowess but also on the development of character and mental discipline. He published several books on karate, establishing it as a respected discipline. His legacy endures today through the continued practice and evolution of Shotokan karate worldwide.

Don Sharp Sensei

Sensei Don Sharp is a 7th degree black belt has been doing karate for over 40 years and has been teaching for 37 years. He is an A level international instructor, judge and examiner. He has been in countless tournaments including pan american silver medalist 97, a record of 14 times national champion, sport style and traditional style, he was the world champion in 1996, he was the international invitational tournament champion twice, he has 9 international medals and a record total of over 30 national medals. He is invited to teach all over Canada and even internationally! He has also been a personal trainer and workout enthusiast for 25 years and has creates his own workout classes such as karatecise and superfit classes!

Daniel Verzotti Sensei

Sensei Daniel Verzotti holds a 6th degree Black Belt (Rokudan) in Karate from the Japan Karate Association and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu from the Hiscoe Ju-Jitsu Schools. Sensei Verzotti is a member of Japan Karate Association, SKD JKA Canada, Karate Alberta Association, and Karate Canada. He began Karate in 1975 in Montreal. He moved to Calgary in 1986 and opened his dojo in Airdrie in January 1999.

Jonard Corotan Sensei

Jonard Corotan (三段・Sandan) began his Karate-dō training at the age of seven under the instruction of his father, Sensei Rudy Corotan (四段・Yondan), at Nippon Karate Dōjō, established in the 1970s in Santiago, Isabela, Philippines.

Through disciplined training in kihon, kata, and kumite, Sensei Corotan developed a strong technical foundation rooted in traditional Japanese Karate principles. He later carried the legacy of Nippon Karate Dōjō to Canada, where it became affiliated with JKA-SKD Canada, maintaining authentic JKA standards.

Sensei Corotan has competed in Kata and Kumite under JKA, WKF, and ISKF, earning multiple awards. He continues to dedicate himself to teaching, guiding, and developing future generations of Karateka in the spirit of budō.

Sofronio Artezuela Sensei

Sensei Sofronio Artezuela (二段・Nidan) is a dedicated practitioner of Japan Karate Association (JKA) Karate-dō, recognized for his commitment to both traditional training and competitive practice. He emphasizes strong fundamentals grounded in Karate philosophy while integrating the demands of modern Kata and Kumite.

Through disciplined instruction, Sensei Artezuela guides students to respect the history and spirit of Karate-dō while developing technical skill, competitive awareness, and personal growth.

After relocating to Canada, he joined JKA-SKD Canada and, in collaboration with Sensei Jonard Corotan, co-established Nippon Karate Dōjō, contributing to the continued development of the Karate community.

Cody Corotan Sampai

先輩 Sampai Cody Corotan, an emerging talent in the world of Karate, was born in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. His journey in martial arts began at a remarkably young age, inspired by his father, Sensei Jonard Corotan, who leads the Nippon Karate-do Club. At just five years old, Cody began training under his father's guidance and quickly transitioned into competition at the age of six. He has since become a dominant force, earning multiple gold medals across various organizational tournaments, including events hosted by the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF), World Shotokan Karate-do Federation (WKF), and Japan Karate Association (JKA). His most significant achievement is the Gold Medal in Kumite (Free Sparring) he secured at the prestigious ISKF World Shoto Cup in Beckton, UK, in 2024—a major event for Karate practitioners worldwide. Beyond his competitive successes, Cody is dedicated to giving back to the sport and loves teaching the kids and beginners at the dojo, sharing his passion and helping to mentor the next generation of martial artists.