About us
Badlands Karate was born from a lifelong dedication to Karate and a love for teaching. I was inspired to start this club to share my passion with the community of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Originally, the name was going to be Medicine Hat Karate, but "Badlands" felt like a much better fit, reflecting our connection to the unique Alberta Badlands.
My approach to teaching Karate is very personable, aiming to make learning fun and formative. Students can expect to gain more than just skills; they'll develop respect, discipline, and a love for the art. I focus on making Karate practical and applicable, not just a set of traditional motions.
Badlands Karate is rooted in the core values of Wado Kai, "the way of peace or harmony." We strive to instill kindness, integrity, humility, and honour in our students. My teaching reflects these principles, guiding students to grow into individuals who embody these values.
Start your karate journey today!
Embark on your path to self-improvement, discipline, and fun with Badlands Karate! Contact us to learn about introductory offers and experience the Badlands Karate difference. Let us help you discover the benefits of Wado Kai karate in a supportive and engaging environment.
Meet our team
Sensei Rolland Bouchard
Head Instructor
Sensei Rolland’s karate journey began in 2010, when he stepped onto the dojo floor alongside his eldest daughter. While she participated for a couple of sessions before moving on, Sensei Rolland was hooked! He fell in love with the art and never looked back. After a brief hiatus in 2012, he reignited his passion in 2013, rejoining the Moose Mountain Karate Club—this time with his two youngest children. By 2015, his wife Laurie had also joined, making karate a true family affair!
For the past 13 years, Sensei Rolland has been deeply immersed in the Moose Mountain Karate Club, pushing himself to grow and improve. He has competed in tournaments, trained in advanced clinics, and sharpened his skills in one-on-one sessions, all with an unshakable drive to get better. His hard work paid off when he earned his Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)—a moment of immense pride! But for him, karate is about so much more than just belts and ranks. It’s a way of life. It teaches discipline, respect, resilience, and humility, shaping not just skilled martial artists but strong, confident individuals.
Sensei Ed Dawe - Shotokan
Instructor
Ed Dawe began his Shotokan Karate journey in 1980 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, inspired by a lifelong love of karate movies.
After earning his yellow and orange belts, he moved to Fort McMurray in 1982, where he continued training diligently at the local dojo. Through years of dedication, he progressed through the belt levels and ultimately achieved his Sho Dan (Black Belt), fulfilling a personal dream.
Throughout his martial arts journey, Ed had the privilege of training with esteemed instructors, including Sensei Shojiro Koyama (7th Dan in 1986) and Sensei John Hanrady, frequently traveling to Calgary for advanced training.
Sensei Ed met Sensei Rolland through a work engagement and began discussing karate and his desire to get back into it after being away for some time. This began the vision to start Badlands Karate. After finding a space where they could work, the two Karateka decided to to begin sharing their combined knowledge.