Who we are

The Kanto Sho Karate Club was founded in January of 2002. The Dojo is registered and licensed by the Japan Karate-do Federation and a member of the Karate Alberta Association. The Dojo has strong roots, grounded in the teachings of our karate forefathers both in Japan and Canada. The instructors have over 60 years of professional teaching experience amongst them. They have been training the art of Renbukai Karate since 1978. Instructors have focused their time and energy on developing their skills and that of their students in this specific art. Our instructors strive to maintain the integrity of the art they were taught over 40 years ago.

Instructors have trained, taught and entered competitions in Japan since 1984. They still travel to Japan regularly, continuing to develop their skills and forge strong relationships with the Karate Masters. All black belt instructors are licensed with the Japan Karate-do Federation. Owners/Instructors trained in Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED and clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sectors.

Members of the Kanto Sho Karate Club enter tournaments in Canada, USA and Japan.

Some to note are:

All Japan Full Contact Tournament
Tokyo Full Contact Tournament
Ebina, Japan City Tournament
Atsugi, Japan City Tournament
World Police and Fire Games Karate Tournament
Alaska State Karate Championships
Canadian Shotokan Invitational Championships
Western Canadian Karate Championships
Karate Alberta Association Karate Tournaments
All Alberta Renbukai Karate Championships

The instructors and students from the Kanto Sho Karate Club have won gold, silver or bronze in all of the tournaments they have entered.

Instructors

Sensei Glen Smith – Roku-dan

Jokyoshi (Certified Master Instructor by JKF), Owner and Renbukai Canada Director

I started training karate because I was a very small boy for my age, this partially led me to be very shy and introverted.  We were not very well off and we found that the Institute of Karate offered reasonable rates.  I came to appreciate the quality of instruction and leadership at the dojo as time went by.  My father passed away shortly after I joined karate, I found myself consumed by training. Forging my body and mind, for me karate-do is truly a way of life not just a thing to do or hobby. The dojo was safe from the problems of the outside world.  The instructors became strong adult figures that I respected (aside from my amazing Mother) in particular Sensei Frank Koch, he was the most powerful karate person I have ever met, his skill is beyond anyone I have ever known. Sensei Koch’s teaching methods were fierce but perfect for the time and me. My mother constantly worried when I came home from the dojo with many injuries. We were truly forged in the martial way and I loved every minute of it. These teaching methods would not fly so much in this modern world and of course I/we do not teach this way.

Sensei Rob

Sensei Rob Kirik – Go-dan

Instructor and Founder

When I was 12 years, I followed the rest of my class to the main auditorium of my elementary school. At the time, I had no conception that this assembly would be the spark that would ignite the future passion of my life. Not only did we get to miss math class, but we also got to witness a strange activity called a Karate Demo. At first, I sat on the hard gym floor cracking jokes with my friends, but then I started to watch what they were doing. I liked it, and there were kids my own age up there doing it as well.

Sensei Tannis Smith – Yon-dan

Director – Renbukai Alberta, Instructor and Owner

I first started training karate when I was 7 years old in Regina, Sask. I can’t say what drew me to karate but it was the only thing I wanted to do and was very clear with my parents that it was the activity for me. Eventually, my family and I moved away from Regina and I did not rediscover training until 2004. My husband, Sensei Glen Smith, had opened the Kanto Sho Karate Club in 2002. I felt this was a great opportunity to return to something that I really enjoyed as a child and that I could potentially have success with as an adult. Training karate has been a blessing in my life. It has improved my fitness and has empowered me both physically and mentally. When I step onto the dojo floor, all other stresses of the day are forgotten and I focus on teaching students and my own training. Teaching students is a great gift, it is amazing to see people learn and grow in their practice. Their successes are infectious and it inspires me. It also challenges me mentally to understand the art, it’s applicability and improve my own practice.

Sensei Steve

Sensei Steve Vaney – San-dan

Instructor

I began training karate in the fall of 2005 with my motivation being to get into better physical shape. Even though I exercised regularly I felt karate would add a new level of fitness. Shortly after I started training I found that karate was not only great for getting into physical shape but it was also mentally stimulating for me in a way other exercises were not.

Sensei Tracy MacKeracher – San-dan

Honorary Instructor

When I was 7 years old, my mom signed me up for karate classes at the Institute of Karate in Calgary. I was being bullied at school and my mom wanted me to learn how to defend myself. Soon enough, karate became my main out-of-school activity. I have always enjoyed the physical and mental challenge that karate provides. Karate is also where I discovered that I love teaching. Once students reach the rank of San Kyu (green belt), they are encouraged to assist in teaching beginner students as a means of expanding their own learning and development…after all, “teaching teaches the teacher”. Teaching others as a 12-years-old, sparked a passion that has led me to pursue teaching opportunities in my career as a marine biologist.

Sensei Cody Murray – Ni-dan

Instructor

I first started training Renbukai karate at the Kanto Sho Karate Club at the age of 7 along side my mother. We joined karate because we wanted to find something new that we could both do together. Karate has been nothing but beneficial to my life. I have been training for 15 years and teaching for 9, I have acquired many skills through out my training. These skills include learning to defend myself and others, commitment, being patient, discipline and fitness. I first traveled to Japan in 2014 to grade for my Shodan and compete in the All Japan Full Contact tournament. In August of 2016 I traveled back to Japan with members of the Kanto Sho Karate Club to train with some of the most skillful champions that Japan has ever had. Karate has given me a lot of opportunities in life and a passion for learning it’s way.

Sensei Roy Boehli – Ni-dan

Instructor

I joined the Kanto-Sho dojo in 2006 after watching my son Richard train with Sensei Glen Smith and Rob Kirik. When I observed that the training my son was receiving was firmly structured and disciplined, in addition to being both mentally and physically challenging, I became motivated to join the dojo and train.

Sensei Winter Smith – Ni-dan

Instructor

I remember always wanting to train karate, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I’d sit on the side at the dojo and watch all the students throw a punch or a kick and would always think, “I want to do that”. I was always too nervous to ask to train because I worried what people would think. Was I just training because my parents were forcing me to?

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments

2010: Starting training with the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2019: Received Shodan

2019-2021: Karate Alberta Provincial Team Member

Competitions

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – 2022 / 2023 / Fall 2026

KO Cup – 2024 Gold Kumite Full Contact and Non-Contact / Silver Kata

Parkland Shotokan Karate Tournament – 2023 Gold and Bronze

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournaments – 2012-2021 Golds and Silvers

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournament – 2018 Most Spirited Award

Karate Canada Nationals – 2019

Karate AB Tournament – 2019 Elite Division Gold

Karate AB Tournament – 2018 Elite Division Gold

Karate AB Tournaments – 2016-2019 Golds, Silvers and Bronzes

Sensei Justin Jensen

Instructor

I joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club in the spring of 2014. My (then) 9 year old son was interested in karate, and I thought it would be a fun activity that we could do together.  I like that karate is a family friendly activity and over the years I have been able to train together with my wife and all three children. I enjoy the physical challenge and the health and fitness benefits of training karate. I’ve found that karate helps me to combat the negative physical and mental effects of working long hours at a desk job by giving me an outlet to de-stress, be competitive, and be present in the moment. I value the opportunities karate has given me to set and meet challenging goals. On September 17, 2021, I graded for and received my Shodan black belt. I’m thankful for the help and guidance I’ve received from my Senseis at the Kanto Sho Karate Club, and look forward to continuing to learn and to share what I’ve learned with our students. 

Brief History or Training and Accomplishments

2014: Joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2021: Received Shodan

Competitions

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – 2022 / 2023

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournaments – Medaled; Judge and Referee

Sensei Leith Dewalt

Instructor

I joined karate with my dad when I was 6, and have never stopped training since. The Kanto Sho Karate Club has given me so many different opportunities and has allowed me to meet some incredible people. It has also helped me learn skills like leadership and discipline that have helped me become the person I am today. Karate is something my family loves to do and it’s been one of the best parts of our lives for many years. I have made friendships to last a lifetime and done things most people my age have not. The first part of my journey ended when I received my black belt, but the rest of it is only just beginning and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the future.

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments

2013: Joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2021: Received Shodan

2019-2020: Karate Alberta Provincial Team Member

Competitions

KO Cup – 2024 Gold in Kata & Full Contact Kumite

Parkland Shotokan Karate Tournament – 2023 Golds

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – 2022 4th in Kumite

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournaments – 2015 to Present

Karate AB Tournaments – 2017 to Present

Sensei Chris Zou

Instructor

In the summer of 2014, I took part in Trico Centre’s All Sport One Day program. It was my first taste of karate, and while I was intimidated at first by the idea of participating in a martial art, it felt as if a flame had been ignited that gave me a desire to push past my comfort zone. The Sensei’s and instructors encouraged me to seek improvement, train to be better, and to reflect on the journey I was on. Ever since, that mindset has fueled my motivations in all aspects of my life; all the way from academics to teaching and training. What I love most about karate is the fact that it is more than just a class you take once or twice a week, but a way of life that you carry on every step of the way.

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments

2014: Joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2023: Received Shodan

Competitions

KO Cup – 2024

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – 2023

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournament – 2023

South Calgary Annual Karate Tournament – 2023 Gold

Sensei Jason Polak

Instructor

I joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club in 2014 with my young son with a simple goal of getting into shape while helping my son find a sport he would enjoy and thrive in. That mindset quickly changed. By the time I received my yellow belt, I realized that not only was I in much better shape, but I had also grown to love and appreciate the challenge of Karate. The many physical and mental obstacles Karate presented me with gave me a larger sense of accomplishment while at the same time, provided me with a calm and focus I found invaluable. No matter what is happening with work or the rest of my life, while training karate, my mind is cleared and focused, and any stress I might have is miles away. Karate has a meditative effect on me, and I always leave the dojo feeling better than when I walked in. I’m truly grateful to be able to train at Kanto Sho, to help teach new students, and pass on not only skills, but also everything I love about Karate. This journey from beginner white belt to Shodan black belt and beyond, is life changing and I can’t wait to see what Karate has in store for me in the future.

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments

2014: Joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2026: Received Shodan

Competitions

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – 2023

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournaments – Medaled; Judge and Referee

KO CUP – 2024

Sensei Lihong Su

Instructor

In 2014, my seven-year-old son joined Kantosho Karate Club. At first, I simply accompanied him to class. I thought that instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting, I might as well move and train alongside him. That was how I, too, became a member of the club and began practicing karate. Because of time constraints, I could only attend one class per week. I do not have a natural talent for sports, yet the instructors here never showed impatience toward my clumsiness. Their dedication to karate and their genuine passion deeply inspired me.

Every movement was taught from simple to complex — practiced slowly, corrected carefully, practiced again, and eventually performed faster and with confidence. Over more than a decade of consistent training, through wind and snow, without interruption, whether in the dojo or at home, the process of learning techniques and forms gradually strengthened not only my focus and perseverance, but also my muscle adaptability and overall body coordination. Through daily accumulation and repeated practice both in and outside of class, I found myself becoming more disciplined. With each level of learning, training, and advancement, I continuously broke through what I once thought was impossible. My confidence grew, and my interest in karate deepened, step by step leading me to where I am today.

Equally important is the atmosphere of this club, which has been an essential reason why I have been able to continue this journey. Members care for and support one another, teach each other with humility and patience, train together, encourage one another at competitions, and celebrate achievements together. It truly feels like a united and loving family — one that has become an irreplaceable part of my life.

Sensei Lily Maltais

Instructor

I first joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club in 2016 when I was 9 years old. I remember seeing an advertisement about joining karate and I knew I wanted to try it. Ever since then, it has become an important part of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. Joining the dojo has given me so many opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t get anywhere else. The dojo became more than just a place to train—it became a place where I developed important life skills and values like discipline, perseverance, and respect. My senseis have played such a huge role in my life and encouraged me to become a better person. They push me to stay motivated, work harder, and step outside my comfort zone. I have also made many long-lasting connections in the dojo, and it is such an amazing community that feels like a family. In 2026, I achieved one of my biggest accomplishments by earning my Shodan (black belt). This accomplishment taught me that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, even if it feels impossible. As I get older, karate will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope to share my experiences and values with future students and inspire them in the same way I was when I first stepped into the dojo.

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments:

2016: Joined the dojo

2026: Received Shodan (Black Belt)

Competitions:

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – Fall 2026

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournaments – 2018–Present Gold, Silver, and Bronze

Canadian Shotokan Annual Open North Tournament – 2023–2025 Gold, Silver, and Bronze

South Calgary Annual Karate Tournament – 2023 Silver

Canadian Shotokan Karate Tournament – 2019 Most Spirited Award

Sensei Kaleb Lay

Instructor

I first started training with the Kanto Sho Karate Club in 2017 when I was 8 years old. I can’t say what it was that made me want to try it out, but I do remember immediately knowing that this was something I wanted to do. Through my training at the dojo, I have been presented with opportunities that I would have never been able to achieve otherwise. The skills and values that were taught to me have extended beyond the world of sports and helped shape my values that apply to what I do in academics and everyday life. The encouragement to improve from the Sensei’s has helped me learn to be motivated and disciplined and I look to share this with future students. Karate has helped me form some of the strongest and longest-lasting relationships I’ve known. I’ve been encouraged to work outside my comfort zone and always seek to improve on myself and with it I carry the lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Brief History of Training and Accomplishments

2017: Joined the Kanto Sho Karate Club

2026: Received Shodan

Competitions

All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament – Fall 2026

Canadian Shotokan karate tournaments – 2018 – present Golds, Silvers and Bronzes

Canadian Shotokan annual open north tournament – 2023/2025 Gold, Silver

KO Cup – 2024

South Calgary Annual karate tournament – 2023 Silver