Neil Dunnigan's School Of Karate

They care about you like family. It’s about more than learning a martial art. It’s about becoming the best version of you.

I went to Neil Dunnigan's School of Karate back in 2000, when my girlfriend and I were thinking of enrolling her little 9 year-old son Josh in karate classes. At the time, the boy was a hyperactive, rambunctious little guy, quite temperamental and emotionally charged. He got into a lot of fights at school with other children. His mom and I thought it was a good idea to put him into something like karate, something that would give the child some discipline and instil within him some "focus" and stability. In addition to being a very naughty boy, Josh lacked a sense of confidence. He was a shy, nervous little kid, but full of energy and pent-up aggression. My girlfriend heard about Neil Dunnigan's School of Karate and asked me to call for more information. I was pleasantly surprised that Neil Dunnigan himself answered the call, and invited me to bring the boy to the school for a "meet and greet" the following evening. I have to say Mr. Dunnigan was very mannerful and friendly on the phone. Because of this, I didn't hesitate to accept his invitation and bring little Josh the next evening. Readers will appreciate what I have to say next about our meet-and-greet, not only because of what happened to me right before the meeting, but how well Mr. Dunnigan was able to handle a very awkward and uncomfortable situation. About 20 minutes before arriving at the school, my girlfriend's little son viciously kicked me in the groin as I was trying to restrain and discipline him. Fortunately, I didn't live far from the school at the time (a short 5-10 minute drive), and I was still able to make it to the meeting with Mr. Dunnigan. I was in a lot of pain and almost decided to cancel the meeting, but I still went (the boy didn't go). Can you imagine? It was really awkward! Me, a fully grown adult man getting kicked in the "you-know-whats" by my girlfriend's naughty little child, and I was still going to meet the guy at his karate studio! I was in no shape to talk or sit still (my um, balls (testicles) were aching like hell), and I felt uncomfortable and very awkward. Despite the situation, Mr. Dunnigan made me feel at ease with his sense of humor and friendliness. I remember sitting in the chair moaning and thinking “Oh my balls! My balls! My aching balls!” 😫🥴 I couldn’t sit still, not even for a minute. When I told Mr. Dunnigan that getting kicked in the groin was "horribly paralyzing" which made me drop to my knees “in an instant”, he said to me with a bit of a chuckle, “Yup, that’s what a kick in the groin does.” I chuckled in kind, though I have to admit, it was a half-hearted chuckle because I was still in excruciating pain. Argh! No wonder they teach “the kick in the groin” in self-defense/anti-rape classes! The boy applied the tactic on me very well. Argh! Despite my circumstances, Mr. Dunnigan was able to answer all my questions calmly and clearly. He told me all I needed to know about their children's classes and scheduling, and how karate could instill self-confidence and self-dignity in the boy while teaching him self-defense at the same time. I came away very impressed with the meeting, but even more so with Mr. Dunnigan's calm, friendly, and respectful demeanour. No wonder his school has been around for more than 30 years. I sense a great dedication from the guy and his ability to serve Edmontonians in the true karate tradition of commitment and honour. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is seriously thinking of enrolling their child in martial arts.