“Shaun is an incredible karate master.”

“He’s firm and encourages the kids to do their best but also has fun and gets the kids giggling.”

“He is so patient and kind with the children. It’s a pleasure to watch him help them grow their skills and love for karate.”

“I recently asked my 6-year-old son, ‘Who is a good role model in your life?’ Without hesitation, he said ‘Sensei Shaun’. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing person teaching our next generation.”

These were among the comments received from the numerous people who nominated Sensei Shaun Johnson, of Bow Valley Goju Karate, as Cochrane Now’s Sports Star of the Month.

Johnson has been training in Goju-Ryu karate for 26 years and ran his own school for six years in Manitoba. He is a third-degree black belt and an enthusiastic lover of martial arts and everything it offers, including both physical and mental strength.

Upon moving to Cochrane with his family, Johnson immediately opened the Bow Valley Goju to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with youth and adults alike.

“We think it’s important to give back to the community you live in and this is a unique way that I’m able to do that. It’s just a part of who I am.”

He prides himself on making sure it's a family school

"I try not to breed a necessarily competitive environment but an environment that is inclusive so that everyone feels welcome to progress at their own rate. Whether they accelerate quickly or not, it doesn't matter, it's just about the journey."

He was surprised when receiving word of the award and considers it an even greater honour to be singled out by the community than recognitions he receives from his peers.

“I’m very surprised but very humbly honoured that people would think of me as someone who would receive this award.”

The Bow Valley Goju Karate holds Little Dragons, Youth and Adult classes in the Martial Arts Studio at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Cochrane Now salutes the sponsors who make it possible to recognize outstanding achievements by our local athletes. Our thanks to Cochrane Awards and Promotion, Dairy Queen and A&W for their support and for providing gifts for Cochrane's Sports Stars of the Month.

Would you like to nominate a Cochrane athlete as Sports Star of the Month? Visit here.