LEDUC KARATE-DO

Was founded in 1974 by Sensei Steve Vrabel who began his training in 1969 in Regina, Saskatchewan at Bateson’s Karate Club. He initially instructed local residents out of various school gymnasiums. He continued this until 1986 when he relocated to the present location. Sensei Vrabel instructed in Leduc until the summer of 1992 when he accepted a job transfer to the United States. Upon his departure, instruction was turned over to his senior student, Chris Eckert who began his training at the Leduc Dojo in October 1978.


The Leduc Karate program is recognized and endorsed by the Shito-Ryu Genbukai International. The International headquarters is located in Santa Ana, California and is directed by Chief Instructor and 9TH Dan Black Belt, Master Fumio Demura. All student grades are registered and endorsed by Genbukai International and Black Belt ranks are certified in Japan.

Chris Eckert currently holds the rank of fourth dan (Yondan) and continues to further his study of Karate by attending monthly Instructor Training at the Canadian Headquarters in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan under Canadian Chief Instructor, Sensei Cameron Steuart, fifth dan (Godan). He also travels annually to Genbukai International Headquarters to train under Shihan Fumio Demura.