Why Choose Karate?

At Shoken School of Karate, we practice Uechi-Ryu. Uechi-Ryu is a style of Karate from Okinawa, with roots in older Chinese martial arts. It is considered “half hard, half soft”. This describes the unique mix of gentle redirection techniques, smooth movement, and open-handed strikes, with destructive blocks, precision kicks, and the classic “Karate punch”.

Above all, we emphasize respect, self-improvement, and personal growth. At our school, you will not only learn how to defend yourself, but you will develop confidence, a spirit of perseverance, and strength to match!

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Expect Results.

Now with discounted introductory month!
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Excellent Facility!

Fully equipped workout and conditioning area!
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Expert Teachers

Decades of combined teaching experience!
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Dozens of Current Students!

Classes every weekday!

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Convenient location

With plenty of parking!

Meet Our Instructors

Tammy Brady

Owner, Instructor, Yondan

“Karate has taught me strength when I needed it the most”

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Jerrad Sagan

Owner, Sensei, Godan

“When you reach those times when you think that you know everything, it just means that you did not look hard enough to improve what you already know.”

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Kristian Mahinay

Owner, Instructor, Yondan

“Hardwork beats talent, when someone who’s talented has not worked hard.”

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Bill Laface

Sensei, Kyoshi-Nanadan

“the only difference between you and a blackbelt is that the blackbelt never quit their training”

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Korey Sniezek

Assistant Instructor, Shodan

“Do you know what that means? More Push-ups.”

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Scott MacPhee

Sensei, Kobudo/Karate, Renshi-Rokudan

“The goal of the martial artist is perfection. Perfection, by definition, is an unachievable goal. Therefore, it’s not about the goal, it’s about the journey.”

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What Our Students Say

Sarah McAvena
Student of Radiation Therapy

I began my journey at the dojo in spring 2017 with the intention of getting TOTALLY RIPPED, because everyone knows physical fitness is the most important prerequisite for world domination. Although I can’t bench press a moose yet, I have gained a large following of child warriors, and will soon be able to assemble my…
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Andrew Chan
Government Employee

Training: 2005 – 2018 Finished at Nidan Doing karate for 13 years made a difference in my life. It gave me self confidence and gives me physical fitness. Karate taught me how to handle myself in case of any physical altercation. I met a lot of wonderful people. Every Thursday we socialize by the local…
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Katherine Berard
"Mother of a Chaotic Army"

Stop looking, this is the best karate school in the City! Believe me, I know, I’ve looked. You will never find a place more dedicated to each and every single student in the Dojo. It’s why I drive for 60 min everyday, 30 there and 30 back! When you join them, they become more than…
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Book your class today!

Our Dojo

Formerly known as Neil Dunnigan’s School of Karate and situated not far from the downtown core of Edmonton, Shoken School of Karate is thriving. After Sensei Dunnigan retired, he sold his school to three of his students: Sensei Jarrad Sagan, Sempai Tammy Brady, and Sempai Kristian Mahinay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can your school be so new, and have so many blackbelts?

Our school has actually been around since 1981. It was formerly known as Neil Dunnigan’s School of Karate, and most of his former students are still around. Sensei Dunnigan passed his school down to three of his students, which are the current owners and operators of the school, when he retired in 2018.

Sensei Dunnigan now lives in B.C. where he operates a small community Karate club. However, he is the head of the western Canada Okkikukai, and we see him several times a year, especially on test nights!

A lot of Dojos are in crowded locations, or are in inconvenient areas. Is Shoken the same?

Shoken School of Karate, located at 11717D 108 Ave NW, Edmonton, is located slightly off the beaten trail, not far from MacEwan university and the downtown core. There is plenty of parking and it is accessible by public transit.

I just booked my first class, what is the dress code?

As our trial class is free, we do not require that you have your own Gi. Instead we ask that all prospective students wear clean, loose fitting clothing such as standard gym wear.

As Karate is a full contact activity, we ask that you trim your finger and toe nails as to not cause any needless cuts.

Ps. No socks or shoes are allowed on the dojo floor.

Does your dojo participate in tournaments?

While the primary focus of our school is self improvement, we do see the value of friendly competition, and encourage our students to participate in tournaments when they can, though it is not mandatory.

Many of our students eagerly prepare every year for a variety of tournaments, and our students often take home medals for both Kata and Kumite.