Jennings School Of Karate

Description

It was at the 1994 National Championships in Calgary Alberta that Jim Jennings decided to retire from the competition circle. It was less than a month later that Ron Tkatz, Ontario's head coach asked Sensei Jennings to join the coaching team. He was back in the ring again at the next National Championships, this time as coach.
It was during the same year that the Bradford Parks and Recreation Department advertised a need for a karate instructor. An arrangement was made offering two classes per week. Ten people signed up and our school was born. As interest grew, more age groups were added, and then an adult class. For the first few years there were sometimes only two people in the adult class, and the class was almost dropped. Sensei Jennings was determined, and with the continued support from Nancy Shortill-Thatcher at the Parks and Recreation department, the classes continued. By winter of 1999-2000, our club boasted 80 students, and with some on waiting lists, the pressure to open our own school was growing. It was March of 2000 when we took possession of our 5,000 square foot facility. Due to the previous tenant's neglect and a 50-year span without upgrades to the building, we had a huge task ahead of us. The dojo scrap book shows 'before' and 'during' construction photos. It was through the generous efforts of our many volunteers, some excellent sub-contractors, and six months of hard work that our design came to life. A plaque on the dojo wall lists those people who made it possible for us to achieve the transformation you see today.