Sensei Bill Laface
Rank: Kyoshi-Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt)
I began my martial arts training in 1981 under Sensei Neil Dunnigan. This was when he first began teaching Uechi-ryu Karate-Do in Edmonton. Sensei Neil Dunnigan asked me, after receiving my green belt in 1982, to teach a beginner’s Karate class once a week. In 1985 when I received my 1st Degree Blackbelt (Shodan) I began teaching regular senior adult student karate classes. Since 1981, I have trained continuously and in 2014 while training in Okinawa Japan I received my 7th Degree Blackbelt (Nandan). I was also awarded the master title of “Kyoshi” (expert teacher). I enjoy teaching a high energy class that pushes my students to train hard towards their own physical limits. My classes focus on the perfection of technique through the basics of karate; kata, kumite and bunkai along with strength and sparring drills.
Initially, I draw to karate as a way to get into better physical shape. I enjoyed the hard, physical workouts that left me exhausted and drained. My body felt healthier, it improved my endurance and my muscles began to fill out. It was soon after the first year of my training that I began to appreciate the Zen approach of Karate-do that Sensei Dunnigan taught. The Zen of karate focuses on the clashes and the balancing of Body, Mind and Spirit. These facets of the philosophy aligned well with many of my life’s challenges such as person, career and family. I knew early on in my training that I would probably study karate all my life.
One of the most rewarding aspects in my study of Karate-Do has been teaching regular classes. It has brought me closer to understanding and realizing my own karate journey. I feel it is my obligation to pass on what my many years of karate training have taught me and it is always a proud day when I award a student their Shodan certificate. Karate-Do is really about dedication, perseverance (Nintai) and hard work. It is not an easy undertaking to become a karate blackbelt and my task is guide students along their chosen paths. I tell aspiring junior students that the only difference between them and a black belt, is that the black belt never quit training. To quote Master Uechi…”all is found in Sanchin”.
A note from the Admin:
Sensei Bill Laface’s classes are high intensity and very traditional at the same time. He tends to focus on Kata and curriculum at a pace that would make even the most fit people sweat buckets. He is one of the most experienced people in the Dojo, and is very personable. Sensei Bill often made me feel like I was part of the group. If you ever have a question, Sensei bill will likely be able to give you an answer.