Welcome to ACKU.org

Karate - ACKU's Philosophy

The All Canadian Karate Union (ACKU) offers traditional Japanese karate for individuals and families in ACKU Clubs in Calgary, DeWinton/Okotoks and Strathmore plus British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Our home dojo (training facility) is in British Columbia.

• Through the disciplined practice of ACKU karate, we develop physically, emotionally and mentally.
• We believe martial arts are not exclusive to one group, country, religion, culture or nationality.
• We do not bow, kneel or worship to any person, foreign flag, image or deity. We are proud Canadians!
• Our ACKU instructors work together as a unit. ACKU students are welcome to train at any club anytime, for one affordable monthly fee.

What Is ACKU Traditional Karate?

ACKU karate is a sport, an art form and a form of self-defence. We train in strong, deep stances that strengthen our legs. Karate provides excellent overall conditioning. The ACKU system is easy for everyone to learn. Our regular classes accept students ages six and up.

We also offer separate classes for our littlest students, "Karate Chops" ages four and five, at our Kincora, Okotoks, Riverbend, Rocky Ridge, Silver Springs, Sandstone and Strathmore club locations.

• Our style is Shotokan.
• Nunchaku, Sai, Jo, Bo, Tonfa, Kama and Bokken practice is taught in the clubs.

The History of ACKU

Founded by Sensei Jim Bray

Jim Bray is a karate professional who has studied karate for forty six years. Jim trained in the first karate club in Calgary in the early 1960's and he teaches karate full time.

• Jim is proud to be a fourth generation Calgarian, who earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Calgary.
• He is assisted by his wife Julie, who holds an Elementary Education degree from the University of Calgary.
• For more information about Sensei Bray, visit JimBray.ca

Learn Karate in Your Community

ACKU Club Training

• Members may train at numerous ACKU Clubs in Calgary plus Strathmore, DeWinton/Okotoks and Edmonton.
• Our British Columbia clubs include Denny Island (Central Coast Karate Association), Celista (Shuswap), Tofino and Ucluelet (Pacific Rim Karate Association).
• Members may train in any club at any time. Join one club, and you've joined them all!
• ACKU students are people who like to have fun, want to get in shape and learn some self-defense.
• At the ACKU, we are proud to be Canadian and feel fortunate that we live in the great country of Canada.
• We also want our students to consider future generations of Canadians and our environmental legacy hence our main dojo in the Great Bear Rain Forest, British Columbia.

What do we do in an ACKU karate class?

• We learn blocking, kicking, stances and forms ("kata").
• We develop power through increased strength and speed.
• We enjoy partnerwork which is controlled and by agreement.
• ACKU offers the Intermediate and Advanced students a Free Style (partnerwork) program.
• We work towards goals of earning colour and black belts.
• We practice for our optional Tournaments.
• Students also study the jo, bo, nunchaku, tonfa, bokken, sai and kama in community clubs.