Instructor & Black Belts
Steve Hartnett, Rokudan(6th degree) Instructor
Steve began training in karate in 1977 in London, England with the Wado- Kai system which was pioneered by Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki. In November of 1982, two years after he arrived in Canada, Hartnett was promoted to 1st degree black belt by Sensei John Montgomery. Hartnett opened Sherwood Karate-Do in 1983 and since then has trained three prominent instructors in 5th degree black belts: Gord Besler (Calgary) and John Watson (Westmout) and 4th degree black belt Kendall Watson (Beaumont). In June 1989, Steve Hartnett, Chief Instructor for Sherwood Park, Beaumont and Ardrossan, officially joined Shihan Demura’s Genbukai organization. Today Hartnett holds a 6th degree (rokudan) black belt ranking in Shito Ryu karate taught by Master Fumio Demura and he was awarded the 2010 Instructor of the Year Award at the 25th Annual Awards Banquet held in Lloydminster. In addition to karate-do Hartnett and other instructors also teach Ryuku Kobudo (weaponry) as learned from Master Demura.
Jeff Hutton, Yondan (4th Degree)
Jeff began training with Steve Hartnett in September of 1983. Hutton has competed successfully internationally and locally. Hutton took time off from karate to complete a Masters Degree in Business at the U of A and to have a family. Today Hutton’s daughters Jenna and Alyssa can be seen following in the footsteps of their black belt Dad, winning gold medals at local tournaments and pursuing the karate way of life. Jeff is a true leader in our dojo; he often helps instruct a class and also holds a Sandan in Kobudo. Jeff made the trip to Okniawa and Japan in 2025 with our KYOKAI karate group from Canada and shares his incredible experience with our dojo.
Chris Stockdale, Sandan (3rd Degree)
I remember a shy Chris Stockdale at his first class when he was just 14. Today, Chris has achieved the level of Sandan. Along with his many kumite tournament achievements, Chris has always been one of our kata specialists leading the way in achieving crisp, clean, gi cracking techniques at every karate class. Chris has achieved a 2nd Degree in Kobudo (weapons training) and also practices Batto (swordmanship). He will often teach/lead the class in Kobudo. Chris made the trip to Okniawa and Japan in 2025 with our KYOKAI karate group from Canada and shares his incredible experience with his dojo mates.
Lyndon Friesen, Sandan (3rd Degree)
Lyndon started training in our dojo in 2009 and he is extremely dedicated to the art of karate. When a tournament or seminar event in Canada or the US is scheduled, Lyndon is always the first to commit. Karate first and then everything else follows. Along with his impeccable attendance, he is a tenacious local & international, competitor accumulating wins in kata, kumite & kobudo. If Lyndon is not present in class, we all worry about his whereabouts.
Greg Irving, Sandan (3rd Degree)
Greg came into our karate club with a brown belt from the JKA Shotokan system of karate. Irving leads the club in kata gold medals won and has a knack for picking up intricate technical details. Irving lives his art daily and often takes the lead instructing kata classes.
Terry Cox, Nidan (2nd Degree)
Terry started training with us in 2011 along with his 2 children Jordyn & Caden. They both achieved their brown belt levels and have since moved on to pursue University Degrees and their careers. Their Dad still trains regularly at the dojo and is one of the fittest students in the dojo, regularly bringing home tourney loot in kata, kumite, and kobudo. More recently, Terry has completed two half marathons, the Edmonton and the Calgary half marathons with both Jordyn and Caden.
Ed Kuebler, Sandan (3rd Degree)
Ed started training (already in his 40’s) at our dojo in 1993. Today, Ed has achieved his 3rd degree black belt in karate and his 2nd degree in kobudo. He ran the Tofield satellite club successfully for 15 years until the location closed in 2023. However, Tofield did yield some diehard karateka who currently make the journey to train in Sherwood Park. We appreciate Ed for his dedication to the arts & his continued participation.
Shane Prasad, Shodan (1st Degree)
Shane is the latest addition to our YUDANSHA KAI, just recently taking and passing his black belt test on November 15, 2025, at our HQ in Lloydminster, AB. He has been training in the dojo since he was 7 and loves to compete. Karate competition is not for everybody, but Shane builds his schedule around the 4 or 5 tournaments we attend annually. His sharp techniques and desire to be the best has seen him climb to the top of the podium on several occasions. His enthusiasm is a pleasure to be around.