Instructors

GKC has many talented instructors, not all of whom are listed here. General inquiries can be directed to any of the head instructors listed below. The head instructors, along with their contact information are as follows:

Kevin Bowes - Head Instructor and President - GKC

Kevin, co-founder of the GKC, is a Rokudan (6th degree black belt; Dec, 2021) in Wado Kai Karate and a brown belt in Shotokan Karate. He trained for 4 1/2 years in Shotokan and has trained since 1997 in Wado Kai. He has taught since 1998.

His background is rounded out with time spent training in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Tai Chi. 

Kevin was the captain of the 2010-2012 SWKKF National Team, and former member of the 2008-2010 Team. He went to Italy in November 2009 and 2011 to compete in the Martial Arts Festival. In 2012 he won an international Kumite event in Scotland, before retiring from international competition. Kevin is still fully active in the SWKKF and is part of multiple national karate committees supporting the SWKKF.

John Eastly - Family Instructor

John is a Yodan (4rd degree black belt). Since he began training in 2000, he has participated continuously in various family classes, initially as a student and later as an instructor.

Sensei John has been part of GKC since the fall of 2000 as a student and years later an instructor. Once Sensei John received his Shodan (1st degree black belt), he began teaching more and more in the club, quickly becoming a very proficient instructor.

Fun Fact: Sensei John is the second longest standing member of GKC!!

In the summer of 2008, Sensei John became the head of the Family Organisation and an instrumental part of all of the teachings in both the Family Class and the Adult Club.

Sensei John and Sensei Kevin have enlisted other talented black belts to take a more active role in developing the students in the Family Organization.

Blaine Beemer - Senior Instructor

Blaine is a Sichidan (8th degree black belt) and GKC is very fortunate that Sensei Blaine calls this club his home. Sensei Blaine began his karate journey in February 1973 and has lived and trained karate all over Canada. He has been in Calgary and part of GKC since 2003. 

Sensei Blaine routinely visits clubs annually throughout western Canada providing leadership and teaching to all ranks, from white belts to 5th and 6th degree black belts.