About
Advance Combative Theories was established in 1999 and is owned and operated by Shihan Michael Beardwood. We are a traditional martial arts school teaching the Goju Ryu system of Karate. Karate training is augmented by theories of combat, self defense and other martial arts.
Our Vision
To help students achieve their goals in a positive, safe and inclusive environment.
To foster the development of confidence, emotional growth in all of our students.
Our Mission
We are passionate about teaching authentic, high quality martial arts training which is safe and effective.
Our Values
Respect: We believe that respect is the pillar upon which healthy individuals and communities are built.
Accredited Organizations
We are the only Goju Ryu school in Hamilton, ON registered with Karate Ontario – the provincial governing body. Students in turn also register with Karate Ontario. As such we provide elite athlete development for provincial, national and international competition.
We continuously strive to improve in order to give the best opportunities available to our students. At Advance Combative Theories this includes being affiliated with national and international organizations: Karate Canada, World Karate Federation, Shuseikan Canada, Seiwakai International and Japan Karate Federation.
Honbu Dojo (headquarters)
In 2020 Shihan Michael Beardwood spearheaded the establishment of Shuseikan Canada – an alliance of dojos under the umbrella of SeiwaKai International. Advance Combative Theories is the Honbu(headquarters) dojo for Shuseikan Canada. which means we are a member of the Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai.