A huge part of EJCA is that it has so many diverse and exciting clubs and affiliated groups, suitable for all ages - and you may be interested to learn  some more about them. So we have interviewed some of our leaders to tell us a bit more...

For this edition, we have talked to John Priegert.

Q1: What is the official name of your club?

あなたのクラブの公式名を教えてください。

Edmonton Gojukai Karate Club

Q2: In one sentence, how would you describe your club?

あなたのクラブを一文で表してください。

We provide regular Japanese karate classes for children, youth and adults.

Q3: Can you tell us a bit about the history of your club? In what year was it started?

クラブの歴史について教えてもらえますか？何年に設立されましたか？

1977

Q4: Are there any stories on how the club was established? (What was the original motivation or reasons that led to its creation? Perhaps there is any interesting background story the readers would be interested to learn?)

クラブ設立についてのお話を教えてください。（設立にあたって何か特別な理由や経緯などがありましたか？）

An instructor arrived from Japan and wanted to continue teaching karate.

Q5: What is your club’s main focus? Please give us some insights into the purpose and activities your club offers.

どんなことにフォーカスして活動されていますか？クラブの目的や、活動について詳しく教えてください。

We have maintained traditional values while modernizing the teaching methods to be suitable for the Canadian context.

Q6: How many members do you roughly have, and are you looking for new members?

クラブ部員は何人ほどでしょうか？新しい部員を募集していますか？

We have about 45 members now, and have room for more people.

Q7: Who is your 'target group'? Who should join you, and why? Are there any age restrictions?

どんな人があなたのクラブに向いているでしょうか？年齢制限はありますか？

We welcome anyone ages 6 and above, who is interested in learning karate.

Q8: Are new club members expected to know or speak Japanese, or is being able to communicate in English sufficient?

部員になるためには日本語を話せることが必須でしょうか？英語での会話ができれば十分でしょうか。

Language of instruction is English, with some technical terms also in Japanese.

Q9: Now let's talk about the cultural background of your club. How did your arts/sport/craft develop? What's the most fascinating thing about this today?

クラブが扱っているアート、スポーツ、工芸についての文化的背景を教えてください。今日（現代）においてどんな部分が魅力的に感じますか？

The development of karate is well known. During internationalization, a variety of presentation has emerged. This club maintains strong ties to the Japanese founder, so the karate presented might be called authentic. The cultural connection is interesting to many participants.

Q10: In addition to what you’ve already provided, are there any fun facts or trivias about your club or the arts/craft/sport?

ここまで回答くださったこと以外に、クラブやその活動、またクラブで扱っている内容についての面白い事柄やトリビアなどはありますか？

Not just punching and kicking, the club hosts events like a summer BBQ, and participates in cultural demonstrations for festivals and schools.

Q11: How do you usually engage/meet/train? How often and where do you meet? Who are the instructors or leaders?

クラブ活動や練習はどのような感じですか？どのような頻度や方法・場所で行われていますか？またインストラクターやリーダーはどなたですか？

The club has regular practices twice a week at EJCA, and also attends seminars or camps around Canada. The instructors are certified through the traditional Japanese method, and are decades long practitioners and teachers.

Q12: Any feedback or testimonials from your existing (or previous) club members about the club? What stands out for them? Any recommendations? Do you have a few quotes for us?

現在または過去の部員からのコメントなどはありますか？クラブのどんなところが優れているか、他の方達へのおすすめポイントなどはありますか？

"My two daughters really enjoy the classes."

"Thank you for being kind."

"I will always value the lessons I have learned"

Q13: What is the 'next big exciting thing' you have planned for in 2023? Any highlights you are looking forward to?

クラブが２０２３年に計画している楽しみなことはありますか？

This year (2023) is the club's turn to host the National Camp celebrating our 40th anniversary in Canada.

Q14: As a club leader, what is a message you would like to get out to prospective members?

クラブのリーダーとして、これから入部を考えている方たちへ何か伝えたいことはありますか？

Just drop in for a visit to any class and meet us.

Q15: And lastly, how can people contact you for questions and/or to join? (A website or an email? Whom should they reach out to?)

最後に、質問がある方や入部希望の方の為の連絡方法、連絡先を教えてください。（ウェブサイトやメールアドレスはありますか？担当の方がいらっしゃいましたら教えてください。)

just head to www.gojukai-canada.com/edmonton !