Gord Besler began training in karate in 1983 in Sherwood Park AB in the Shotokan style under Sensei Steve Hartnett. In June 1989, Steve Hartnett officially joined Shihan Demura’s Genbukai organization and Gord Besler did his shodan test and subsequent gradings under Shihon Fumio Demura and the Genbukai system. He later moved down to Calgary AB, opened the dojo in August 1997 and has been teaching in the same location since. In addition to karate-do, Sensei Besler teaches Ryuku Kobudo (weaponry) as learned from Master Demura. Over the years, Sensei Besler competed in many tournaments, earning medals in kumite, kata and kobuto

Senpai Connor began training in 1997 in Shoto-kan karate and transitioned to Shito-Ryu in 2002. He has since trained with Sensei Neil Leckie, Sensei Hartnett, and now Sensei Besler. Connor achieved Ni-Dan in 2023 and truly believes that karate is a lifetime pursuit. He aspires to help every Calgary student use karate as a tool to become their best selves. 

Senpai Holly began training with Sensei Leckie in St. Paul in 2004. She spent her university years training with Sensei Gulka at the University of Saskatchewan before eventually calling Calgary home in 2012. She received her Shodan in 2013. She enjoys kumite, kata, teaching, and learning! 

Senpai Jay started his karate practice in 2004. Dedicated to his family at home, he brings his values and passion to the dojo, providing perspectives on techniques that incorporate body mechanics of weightlifting. Do not be fooled by his size, he is fast and can probably bench press you! 

Senpai Tony began training with Sensei Stuart in Lloydminster  in 2004 before eventually calling Calgary home in 2012.  He received his Shodan in 2008. After a long break , he recently rejoined  our Calgary club training under Sensei Besler.  He believes Karate is a life long journey to better oneself through self discipline and commitment.

Senpai Kelly Fraser started training at the University of Saskatchewan karate-do under Sensei Dean Gulka. In 2000 he moved to Calgary and continued training in Shito-ryu karate under Gord Besler. He is currently ranked Nidan.

Senpai Brent began training Shito-Ryu in 1993 in Wilkie, SK under Sensei Elmer Woytiuk and Senpai Carry Grant. He was a founding member of Unity, SK club, trianing and teaching throughout his high school years. In 2001 he moved to Calgary and trained under Sensei Besler. In 2006 he moved to Oregon and joined a Shotokan club. In 2010 he moved back to Calgary. While work and family meant he could not always make it to the dojo, he aspires to train anywhere he can -parking garages, beaches, basements - he says "Where I go, my gi goes." Returning to dojo training in 2025 he brings a wife and two boys to join the organization. "I train for longevity. We need to balance the hard and the soft strength, flexibility, and mental grit." 

Senpai Jordan started his practice in 1998 and received his Shodan in 2017, training with Sensei Gord for a majority of his practice. Although Senpai Jordan is rarely spotted in class due to his work schedule, he brings energy, competition, and a unique perspective when teaching and practicing. Many students get to enjoy Senpai Jordan's fun atmosphere during the winter months. He believes in challenging others to their full potential and helping them exceed expectations. 

Senpai Ashley originally started her practice at the U of S Dojo in the fall of 2015 under Sensei Dean Gulka during her post-secondary education. During the summers she would visit her family in Calgary and continue her training with Sensei Gord besler. She moved back home to Calgary permanently to train with Sensei Gord in the Spring of 2022 and recieved her Shodan in 2024. As Senpai Ashley stepped into the teaching side of karate, she strongly advocates for karate to be a space for everyone and anyone to come try, learn, and have fun. 

Senpai Taylor began training Shito-Ryu style karate in 2004 under Sensei Steuart in Lloydminster. He spent most of his formative training years there until he took a break in 2015. The spirit of karate never fully left him, he decided to come back and train under Sensei Dean Gulka in Saskatoon in 2022 and eventually under Sensei Gord Besler in Calgary in 2024. Taylor achieved Sho-Dan in 2025 and aspires to be the best karateka he can be, for both himself and for others. Taylor believes karate is a way of everyday life.