Our Vision
Learn. Have Fun. Keep it real.
Our Mission
Push yourself, embrace challenges, enjoy the journey, and always strive to improve.
About Us
We are more than a martial arts club — we are a community focused on growth, respect, and resilience. Every class is an opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and challenge yourself in a supportive and positive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced athlete, we believe progress comes from consistency, mindset, and teamwork.
Our training is guided by four core values:
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Kaizen – Commit to continuous improvement in technique, habits, and mindset.
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Fun – Bring energy and positivity to every session and enjoy the journey.
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Humility – Stay open, respectful, and always willing to learn.
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Spirit – Face challenges with resilience and give your best effort every time.
1999 – Founded in Community
Three Elements Karate began in September 1999 as Glamorgan Karate Club, founded by Sensei Dan McKee and Sensei Kevin Bowes at the Glamorgan Community Centre. We are grateful for the support of the community centre and our students, who helped shape the club from the very beginning.
2004 – Expanding Our Training
In September 2004, the club moved to Pro Bodies, a local gym. With improved training space, mirrors, heavy bags, and additional equipment, this period played a key role in the development of both new and experienced students.
2008 – Leadership Evolution
In the summer of 2008, Sensei Dan McKee relocated to Vancouver Island. To maintain shared leadership, senior student Sensei John Eastly joined Sensei Kevin Bowes as co-instructor. Together, they have led the club since September 2008. Sensei Dan remains active in the SWKKF and continues to visit the club regularly.
2009 – A Lasting Home
In May 2009, the club moved to Elbow Park, training in the basement of Christ Church Calgary, where it continues to grow and train today.
2023 – A Name That Reflects Us
In September 2023, the club became Three Elements Karate, a name that reflects our training philosophy—form, speed, and power—rather than a specific location, while honoring our roots.
Wado Kai Karate
Three Elements Karate Club is based on Wado Kai (“Way of Peace”) Karate, a traditional martial art focused on practical self-defence, character development, and conflict avoidance. Training builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness through core techniques such as blocking, grappling, punching, kicking, and body movement applied in fluid
self-defence situations.
Organization
Our instructors and members belong to the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF), representing over 4,000 members, 1,000 black belts, and 200 clubs across Canada. Two Wado Kai tournaments are hosted in Calgary each year.
Three Elements Logo
In January 2019, Three Elements Karate unveiled a new logo that embodies our training philosophy.
The logo features a Celtic knot, honoring our origins in the Glamorgan community of Calgary and the Irish and Welsh roots of the name. The triangle within the knot represents the three elements central to our training:
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Form: Train with mindfulness and care to develop good form.
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Speed: Train with responsiveness and efficiency to gain speed.
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Power: Train with intent, intensity, and spirit to gain power.
The circular brush strokes symbolize both the Japanese origins of our karate style and movement between the three points of the knot, representing continual improvement. This reflects our commitment to Kaizen—cycling between form, speed, and power to continuously grow.