About Us Copy

Our Club

Edmonton Kyokushin Karate Club is a diversified non for-profit organization focused on providing outstanding karate, self-defense and general fitness instruction to children, youth and adults in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Founded in 1983 by Shihan Les Banas, the club produced many local and national champions and hosts the annual Alberta Open Championships Tournament. The club is also a member of the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan (IKO 1) headquartered in Ikebukuro, Japan.

Our Style

Kyokushin Karate is a hard style of karate, characterized by its realistic full-contact style of fighting, it’s emphasis on a graceful power in technique and it’s use of “temashiwari” (board breaking) in the development of spirit and character. This style of karate was developed during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s by founder, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, 10th Dan. The Kyokushinkaikan is one of the largest karate organizations in the world with over ten million members worldwide with its head-quarters in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan. Some notable Kyokushin Karate black belts include Georges St-Pierre, UFC Undisputed World Welter Weight Champion and Dolph Lundgren popular Hollywood action movie star.

Our Instructors

Sensei Irek Slobodzian - Yondan (4th Dan)

Sensei Irek has been a member of IKOK-C since early 1990. His exposure to Kyokushin Karate however, took place a few years earlier in his native Poland while attending secondary school in town of Brzeg. After moving to Canada in 1990, he joined Edmonton Kyokushin Karate Club, where he trained under Shihan Les Banas and Shihan Mac Mierzejewski whom he considers as very influential in shaping his training and fighting style early on. He became Shodan in 1998, Nidan in 2003, Sandan in 2014 and Yondan in 2019.

Sensei Irek is an experienced national and international fighter with numerous tournaments under his belt. Highlights of his fighting career include two time Junior Canadian National Champion, Alberta Open Champion and Calgary Cup Champion. He competed in numerous tournaments across Canada and in 2004 was a member of the Canadian National team at the 10th Oyama's Cup in Khabarovsk Russia.

In September, 2012, Sensei Irek became the head instructor of the Edmonton Kyokushin Karate Club. He succeeds Shihan Les Banas (1983), Shihan Mac Mierzejewski (1991), Sensei Nathan Howat (2000) and Senpai Joe Johnston (2008) as the head instructor.

In his personal and professional life Sensei Irek is a father of two daughters and an entrepreneur with a Masters Degree in Business (MBA), Undergraduate Degree in Science (BSc) and Chemical Technology Diploma (CET).

Senpai Alexey Athrazev - Shodan (1st Dan)

IKO Registered 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan)
Instructor
IKOK-C Certified Corner Judge
12 years of active training
3 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
5 years competitive fighter full-contact karate
3 years competition judging experience

Senpai Amy Mikla - 1st KYU (2020 Dan Canditate)

IKO Registered 1st KYU and 2020 Dan Candidate
Instructor
IKOK-C Certified Corner Associate Judge
8 years of active training
3 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
5 years competitive fighter full-contact karate
2 years competition judging experience

Senpai Sean Smith - 2nd KYU

IKO Registered 2nd KYU
Assistant Instructor
21 years of active training
2 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
2 years competitive fighter full-contact karate

Senpai Phil Gauvin - 2nd KYU

IKO Registered 2nd KYU
Assistant Instructor
10 years of active training
2 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
6 years competitive fighter full-contact karate

Senpai Mikhail Chykunou - 2nd KYU

IKO Registered 2nd KYU
Assistant Instructor
15 years of active training
1 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
4 years competitive fighter full-contact karate

Senpai Alexandru Ganea - 2nd KYU

IKO Registered 2nd KYU
Assistant Instructor
10 years of active training
1 years teaching experience in Kyokushin Karate
6 years competitive fighter full-contact karate

Lacintha Naidoo - Mindful Movement & Meditation Instructor

Registered Yoga Teacher
Over 800 teaching hours
18 years of active yoga training
Specializing in Yin Yoga, Meditation, Breath-work, Yoga Nidra and Yoga for Mental Health

Dominic Oppong - Warrior Fitness Instructor

Growing up in Toronto Dominic participated in many sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, track and rugby. He pursued his passion of becoming a professional soccer athlete when he signed with Buffalo City in 2009 of the NPSL and later with FC Edmonton in 2011. Dominic made his Team Canada Debut in 2005.

His certifications include:

Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Early Childhood Education - University of Buffalo in 2010
Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS) - Canfit Pro

Aspiring to increase the performance of his clients, Dominic is continually studying new movements and techniques that may be applied for an individual to meet their goal. Even though researching new training methods has a personal advantage, he is always excited to share it with his clients. With the knowledge he has from his athletic background, he likes to put a big focus on mental strength. Dominic will help you achieve your fitness goals.