Meet our Junior Instructors!

We introduced our Junior Instructor in Training Certification Program (JIT for short) this August.  We are please to announce we have assembled a fantastic team of young Summit Martial Arts students to assist in our children’s classes.  We asked them to write a little bit about themselves to share with our SMA family.  Here is what they wanted you to know, in their own words.  Let’s meet the Team!

Meet Aidan Bernardo

Hi I’m Aidan Bernardo I was born in Toronto, Ontario. I started Taekwondo when I was 5 yrs old.  I enjoyed Taekwondo because it was fun and makes me feel energetic.

During my free time I enjoy drawing, playing basketball, biking and swimming.  At school, my favourite subject is Social studies because it really makes me think hard. It’s good to know the history/past and how it’s changed now.  My best martial arts moment is learning self defense that I can use this in my everyday life. Also winning the TAFISA World Martial Arts Games Gold medal for weapon. It was an amazing experience along with all the other competitions I’ve joined.  I love going to Summit because the people who trained me are good and kind instructors like Master Morris and all the black belts. All of them are very helpful, always there for me to reach my goals! Once I become a Junior Instructor, I want to teach the Monkeys and Dragons to become disciplined martial artists. I also want them to reach their goals and become successful in their Taekwondo journey.

Meet Chaney Mowat

My name is Chaney Mowat.  I competed at the 1^st TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in Sept 2014 in Richmond B.C.  I won a Silver Medal for Point Sparring and Bronze medals in both Forms and Continuous Sparring.  My best moment in martial arts moment was when I won my first gold medal at a tournament I also love the feeling of getting a certification after a belt test. I like martial arts because it teaches me respect, discipline and self-defence. I like Summit Martial Arts specifically because they keep it fresh and exciting. They also encourage us to keep trying and work harder they are very inspiring and motivational for  their students. They care a lot about their students success and want to see all of their students succeed. I also love the uniqueness of their teaching styles and their style of Tae kwon do. My hobbies outside of Tae Kwon Do are wakeboarding, wake surfing, horse riding and snow skiing.

Meet Marcuz Bernardo

Hi – my name is Marcuz Bernardo.  My Hobbies are swimming, biking, reading, playing soccer, playing basketball. But one of my favourite hobbies is doing Tae Kwon Do.

What I like about Summit Martial Arts, is the training that we do: it’s energetic, challenging, awesome and fun. Especially for the younger and new kids, it will give them a great experience.  My favourite subjects in school are math and science. They’re really fun and challenging classes to attend; the same way Tae-kwon-do is.  My best moment here was when I won a Gold medal at the TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in Richmond, BC; it was like winning a medal in the Olympics!  How I will teach the Monkeys and Dragons class, is in an energetic and encouraging way, so we can engage the kids to do Tae Kwon Do in the best and fun way, by doing games and activities like obstacle courses.

Meet Max Stronge

Hi – my name is Max Stronge. I have trained in the martial arts for 12 years. I am a 15 year old student in high school who has been actively participating in competitions since the age of 10.  Most recently I brought home two Silver Medals from the W.O.M.A.A. World Martial Arts Games in Germany. I was the CTV Athlete of the Week in July 2016. I have trained at many different schools in the Calgary area.  Summit Martial Arts is easily the school I would recommend to anyone that wants to involve themselves in Taekwondo. My passion for training and competing has been with me my whole life, and I hope to ignite that passion in others as well.

Meet Mikko Bernardo

Hi – my name is Mikko Bernardo.  The hobbies that I like, love and enjoy are: Skateboarding, Snowboarding, playing Soccer, playing Basketball. But the one hobby that I like the most is Tae Kwon Do to practice my skills in the style of martial arts (Moo-Duk Kwan).

What I like about Summit Martial Arts is everyone who steps through the front door is accepted, because the people have such a kind personality.My favorite subject in school is Math, because I like to challenged in school, and just like school I like to be challenged in Tae Kwon Do.  My favorite moments at Summit Martial Art was when I won 2 Gold medals, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal in TAFISA World Martial Arts Games. The Christmas parties that summit hosts and the annual beach parties. These events make me love Summit even more!   My teaching style with the Monkeys and Dragons will be an energetic and fun style so I can keep them filled with energy as well as happiness. I will make sure to incorporate some fun and energetic games, obstacle courses and drills. And by using these things I hope that the students will train with tones of energy so they can do their best! 😉

Here are some more photos of our team in tournament action.

We are grateful to have these young dedicated athletes join our amazing team of instructors. If you have any questions about the program or our JIT’s, please see Master or Mrs. Morris directly.  Here’s to another fantastic season at SMA!!!

Fall Registration, New Programs & More

It’s that time of year again!  Summit Martial Arts Fall Registration is now open.  Our classes are filling quickly, don’t miss out on the opportunity to train with us.  We offer classes for ages 4 through adult, beginner to advanced black belt.  We offer a flexible schedule to suit busy families.  Come down and check out a class today!

We have a new fall schedule ready to launch for back to school.  We’ve added additional Little Dragons and Warriors classes to ensure we keep our class sizes small.  We will also be bringing back our Cardio Kick Start class on Saturday mornings.  Our cardio class is open to the public, so bring your friends and get ready to work you butt off!   Check out our the new schedule online.  We are excited to be offering a brand new program for September – the Junior Instructor Training Certification Program.  There will be an Information Night for parents/students of those interested in the program.

Finally, we would like to say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Max for representing Team Canada and bringing home 2 Silver Medals from the W.O.M.A.A. World Martial Arts Games this July in Germany.  We are so proud of you!!  If you would like to check out Max’s story, he was featured on CTV Athlete of the Week for July 1!

For more information on our programs, instructors and class times, please check out our website at www.summitmartialarts.ca or check us out on Facebook and Instagram.  To arrange your free trial class, please email info@summitmartialarts.ca or call 587-583-5425.

We had a busy May & June, time for summer fun!

Here’s what we’ve been up to in May and June:

Happy 2nd Year Anniversary to Summit Martial Arts!  We held our very 1st class on May 13 at the Sheppard Community Centre.  That seems like a million years ago.  We have come so far and are grateful for all the love and support our SMA families have shown us.  Here’s to the next 10 years!

On May 14, we had another wonderful visit from the KSL Mobile Boutique – we love to support Canadian business owners and their products.  It was a great day, we can’t wait until our next Pop Up Boutique in the fall.

On May 30, we had a Little Monkeys Belt Test.  Our Monkeys did their best and earned their next belt.  Congratulations to David, Leila, Xander, Ignacio and Calin.  Great work!

The 38th Annual Western Canadian Karate Championships were held on May 21 in Red Deer, AB.  It was a big turn out – several hundred competitors – and some stiff competition.  Team Summit showcased their skills and represented SMA with the utmost integrity and sportsmanship.  Team Summit came away with 4 Gold medal wins, 7 Silver medals and 4 Bronze medals. We are proud of each of you!

In June, we had a 3 week Bo Staff Workshop.  Our students learned the basics of Bo Staff, worked on these techniques to prepare for their 1st Bo Staff form.  This was an exciting class for all.

On June 14, CTV Calgary was at the dojang to film our very own Max. S. for CTV Athlete of the Week.  We are so proud of Max!  He will be heading to the World Martial Arts Games in Germany in July to compete for Team Canada.  We would like to send a special thank you out to @BigChiefBeef and CTV’s Lisa Bowes for supporting amateur athletes on their journey to the World stage. Max’s story airs Friday, July 1 at 6:45pm.  Be sure to tune in!

On June 18, we headed out to Beiseker for the East End Tae Kwon Do Kids 4 Kids Tournament.  Team Summit came home with 3 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 2 4th place!!  Congratulations Max, Chaney, Cole and Brody!

Our final test of the season was on June 25.  It was a BIG one!  Our students work very hard to prepare for their tests.  As a student moves up in the ranks, there are months of practice to get ready.  We uphold a rigorous test standard for ALL our students.  Anyone that receives a promotion at SMA knows that they have earned that belt.  Congratulations to Brody, Shelley, Jann, Jeannie, Cole, Ethan, Matias, Jason, and Elena!

Later in the day, we had our Little Dragons and Little Monkeys test.  Our kids did an amazing job showcasing their skills.  Great job everyone!  Congratulations to Nicolas, Tyler, Evan T., Jorden, Sebastian, Xander, and Evan D.

Summer is here!  Remember students may wear their SMA T-shirts to class for July and August.  We are looking forward to an awesome summer – let’s work hard and get ready for next season!  We wish Max the best of luck as he steps on to the world stage in a few short weeks……….stay tuned for updates!

November at SMA

November was a busy month at Summit Martial Arts.  We had a Little Dragons Belt Test, our very 1st Little Monkeys Belt Test, Master Morris was appointed National Director for the National Martial Arts Committee – Canada by the World Martial Arts Games Committee, we attended the Kick’s Open Tournament, and collected purses for the Purse Project to help out Smarty Skirts.  We were busy!!

Here are some of the highlights:

On November 5, we had a Little Dragons Belt Test.  The students did an amazing job showcasing their hand techniques, kicks, forms and sparring. Our Little Dragons curriculum follows along with our Warrior/Adult program, it is broken down in to smaller skill chunks for our younger students.  Congratulations to Nicolas, Isabella and Olivia!

On November 9, we had our very 1st Little Monkeys Belt Test.  What a great showing by our youngest students.  Our Little Monkeys are ages 4/5, they train once or twice per week.  Their curriculum was designed to work on balance and co-ordination, setting the foundation for their martial arts journey.  Congratulations Zurrin, Hunter, Jayden and Rylan!  Great job!  Here are some of the highlights:

On November 11, 2015, Master Shane Morris was appointed National Director for the National Martial Arts Committee – Canada by the World Martial Arts Games Committee.  The 2016 World Martial Arts Games will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from October 5-9.  The World Martial Arts Games are a proud member of TAFISA (The Association for International Sport for All).  Their aim to bring martial arts to all regardless of style or affiliation.  We cannot think of a better organization to be teamed up with.

 

On Saturday, November 28, Summit Martial Arts attended the Kicks Open Martial Arts Tournament in Calgary, Alberta.  We had 11 students compete in both individual forms and sparring, team forms, and weapons.  SMA students brought home 4 Golds, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze!  Congratulations to all those who competed!  You showed great sportsmanlike conduct at every opportunity, we are proud of all of you.

 

Summit Martial Arts was teamed up with Smarty Skirts for the Purse Project.  From November 16 through to December 6, we collected purses, toiletries and other essential items for distribution to those women in need.  These was an excellent cause!  We would like to thank all the SMA students who made donations.  SMA is always up for helping a cause that gives back to the community.

December is shaping up to be another busy month, we have our KSL Actionwear Fashion Event, our final belt test of 2015, our famous Christmas Party and a much anticipated break over the holidays!  To stay connected and up to date, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Stay tuned for more updates……..

 

Canada joins the World Martial Arts Games Committee

Summit Martial Arts is pleased to announce Master Shane Morris has been appointed National Director for Canada by the World Martial Arts Games Committee. The World Martial Arts Games Committee is a proud member of TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All) and is dedicated to bringing martial arts to all through competition and education.

The World Martial Arts Games Committee was founded in 2005 by Alfred Kleinschwaerzer (Germany) and Ken Marchtaler (Canada).  The WMAGC provides its members with unique sport development opportunities, practical support programs, events, education and the opportunity to network with the international sport community at the highest of levels. The WMAGC aims for a strong and united martial arts world.

Summit Martial Arts had the opportunity to support the 2014 TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in Richmond, BC.  Marcuz, Mikko and Aidan joined Team Canada and brought home the Gold for Forms, Sparring and Weapons.  Our very own Mr. Chernichen served as a Team Canada coach for the Games.

 The 2016 World Martial Arts Games will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from October 5 – 9.  The Games will take place at Wits University.  For more updates, check out the WMAGC Facebook page and download the app from the itunes store.

We look forward to representing Canada on this amazing world stage.

Team Canada trials will be in the Spring of 2016.  Venue and details to follow.  If you have any questions, please contact Summit Martial Arts at 587-583-5425 or email info@summitmartialarts.ca.