Our Story
TRAIN HARD. TRAIN SMART…. THAT IS OUR MOTTO AND WE MEAN IT.
By focusing on the personal development of each individual, our instructors tailor the training program to best suit the needs and goals of each student.
MISSION STATEMENT
To foster the growth and evolution of Shotokan and Karate-do, by making them effective and engaging to all participants and athletes.
VISION STATEMENT
To develop passion and skill in all practitioners using knowledge and modern training methods.
our story
Ippon Karate Dojo was founded in March 2005. Sensei Adam Wackershauser, created the dojo initially to bring together some high-level martial artists to train, with the hopes of making the national team. Soon after it became a true dojo, with kids, adults, recreational and elite students.
Our first location was the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion in Cochrane. This facility housed many national champions and high-level black belts. This wide appeal can be attributed to the comprehensive and effective nature of our training, which has resulted in a wide array of successful graduates who have gone on to great heights in their respective fields.
We have moved multiple times around the town but one thing remains the same, we focus on the individual development of each person who comes through the doors.
We promise to commit ourselves to creating competent Karate-ka that develop skill, passion, and confidence in their ability.
ABOUT US
Build skill and discipline
Martial arts are the best way for people of all ages to develop self-defense skills, and athletic skills and learn to focus on solving problems and accomplishing goals!
Something for everyone
Ippon Dojo has classes for kids, adults, students, and high-performance athletes. We cater our courses to focus on development in a community atmosphere.
Join our community!
For the past 15 years, we have grown from a single student in Cochrane to one of the top clubs in the Country. Come in and try a class and see what makes us different!
OUR INSTRUCTORS
SENSEI ADAM WACKERSHAUSER
Adam started Karate in August 1993. He has been privileged to compete and represent the Alberta Provincial team as an athlete from 2002 - 2014 and as a coach from 2014-2021. He represented Canada at multiple events including the 2009 Pan American Championships in Caracas, Venezuela, and received a top 5 and bronze at the event.
He has run Ippon Karate Dojo since March 2005 and has produced some of the best karate practitioners in the country. His students are not only succeeding in competition but also as general practitioners of Shotokan Karate.
He continues to teach and train daily in Karate and has a goal to achieve his 5th Dan (degree) black belt and is currently working towards his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well.
sensei hidemi uchiage
Hidemi has been in Karate since the age of 4, training under her Grandfather 9th Dan Kenzo Uchiage and Father Takeshi Uchiage in the art of Goju Ryu Karate. She has dominated in provincial, national and international events. She has dozens of national medals, a junior Pan American gold medal and too many provincial titles to count. She is currently the head kata coach for Karate Alberta and is working to put Alberta on the map for Kata.
She is a school teacher and a diligent practitioner in karate, she is currently a 3rd Dan (degree) black belt and is working towards her purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
There are few in the country with her technical knowledge or prowess.
senpai CARTER DAWOOD
Carter has been training in karate at Ippon Karate Dojo since the age of 7. Throughout his time at the dojo, he has remained a dedicated martial artist. He is a three-time Team Canada representative and was ranked in the top 7 at the 2019 Pan American Championships in Ecuador. Carter continues to train hard and compete to this day.
He brings a fun, energetic, and skillful teaching style to the dojo. Carter currently teaches our Lil’ Tigers program and is also an integral part of our children’s classes.
The Academy of Shotokan Karate was founded by Sensei Dave Hazard 7th Dan. Sensei Hazard is a legend in the Shotokan community World wide. We have been proudly affiliated with him since 2005.
The World Karate Federation is the World’s largest karate federation for sport karate. The WKF is the only group recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Karate Canada is the recognized national sport organization by Sport Canada and is the pathway for athletes to represent Canada on the World stage.
Karate Alberta is the recognized provincial sport organization for a pathway to the national championships.