Now Available: Zachary: The Invisible Veil Zachary

Short Bio of Your Sensei
Sensei AW Statz is a Canadian writer, teacher, and martial artist with over thirty years of experience in both education and the dojo. He has taught literature, mythology, and history, coached hundreds of karate students, and worked in places as varied as steel mills and lumberyards.

That wide range of experience—and one lingering question, What are young people really searching for?—inspired his first novel, Zachary: The Invisible Veil, a YA fantasy that weaves together spiritual depth, myth, and adventure.

Sensei still teaches karate weekly and, when not writing, can be found coaching in the dojo, reading mythology with coffee in hand, or sidestepping metaphorical roundhouse kicks from his students…and occasionally, his editors.

As a new author, choosing the right editor is a leap of faith—and choosing Kristen Hamilton was the best decision I could have made. From her first 500-word sample to her final note on “the last confusing sentence,” Kristen brought professionalism, clarity, and genuine care to every step. Her developmental insights were sharp, her line edits precise, and her encouragement steady. She didn’t just edit Zachary: The Invisible Veil—she elevated it.

—Andrew Statz, Zachary: The Invisible Veil

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A Note for Families
Over the years, many Christian families have come through our karate doors. While I’ve had the occasional thoughtful conversation about philosophy or values, I’ve always respected that spiritual formation begins at home. I believe a child’s beliefs—whatever their background—are best nurtured within the family. Faith, to me, is personal. It’s not for debate, but for quiet reflection, resilience, and growth.

That’s why Zachary: The Invisible Veil doesn’t preach—it invites. It’s not a sermon—it’s a story. One that opens the imagination, stirs the heart, and asks: What if there’s more to this world than we see?

In a world that often demands quick answers, this book dares to be patient. And history reminds us—the pendulum always swings back. The key is to be ready.

—AW Statz

---

What’s Zachary About?

Zachary: The Invisible Veil — Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Zachary Switch thought he was on track for university. He had the academic record his mother hoped for. What he didn’t know was that his adoptive father, Dr. Theo Switch, had very different plans—and heavenly agents were already involved.

Zachary is taken to the Guardian Academy, a hidden school for the children of angels. There, he discovers he is a Nephilim—descended from angels—and is plunged into a world he never imagined. Alongside his friends Rachel and Neil, Zachary is tested by the Nephilim Council, trained in battle, and given a mission that could shape the fate of the world.

But their mission isn’t just dangerous—it’s personal. If they fail, Rachel and Neil risk being lost to the shadows beyond the Veil. As they travel to Jerusalem with Zachary’s father, truths are revealed. When the mission ends, Dr. Switch doesn’t return.

In the months that follow, the Nephilim Council begins to question whether Zachary’s loyalties—and bloodline—pose a threat. What they discover is bigger than anyone expected: Zachary’s real father is the Angel of Death.

And the story is just beginning. If you’d like to peek at the listing, here’s Amazon’s “Look Inside”: 

📖 Available now on Amazon — Find Zachary: The Invisible Veil on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FLV37J55

Sensei Jim Hawkins is seen here demonstrating with another black belt that training without pain by using swimming noodles instead of a weapon can elicit critical physical responses. Martial arts training concepts are often achieved through creative applications. Major concepts such as: timing , distance, use of force, target, relaxed control instead of fight/flight, stance are difficult for the uninitiated to understand. Physical percipient response requires training, lots of training. It takes at least 6 years of training to achieve a black belt or shodan in karate.

GRADING REQUIREMENTS for South Surrey Karate and Burnaby Karate Clubs Shiseikai

9th Kyu

White Belt

TACHI-KATA

Musubi-dachi (formal attention stance)

Shizen-tai (natural stance or “yoi”)

Kiba-dachi(horse stance)

Zenkutsu-dach( basic front stance)

Kokutsu-dachi(back stance)

Heisoku-dachi (feet together)

Shiko-dachi (horse stance with toes out)

Heiko-dachi feet parallel stance)

KATA

Taisabaki

Basic Techniques

Horse stance and punch

Jodan -face level

Chudan -stomach level Reverse punch and block

Front kick

Basic Moving Techniques

Moving forward lunge punch ; Going back, block

Each movement starts with gedan tateken: (lower level vertical fist punch)

Chudan uchi-uke, gyaku-zuki (inside block, reverse punch)

Chudan soto-uke, gyaku-zuki (Outside block, reverse punch)

1) Must have trained at least 10 sessions for adults, or 15 sessions for juniors, to qualify for this exam. 2) Must understand the basic karate stances.

8th Kyu

White Belt

KIHONWAZA

Kiba-zuki

Gyaku-zuki to uke Mae-geri

KIHON WAZA(moving techniques)

Oi-zuki, zenshin; sagatte, Sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

Mae-geri zenshin; sag atte , sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

KATA

Happo-geri, Heian Shodan

Basic Moving Techniques

Moving forward lunge punch; going back, block and reverse punch

Moving forward front kick; going back, block and reverse punch

1) Must have trained at least 10 sessions for adults, or 15 sessions for juniors, since passing 9th kyu exam.

2) Must understand the basic techniques.

3) Must demonstrate the correct kata sequences.

7th Kyu

Yellow Belt

KIHON WAZA

Kiba-zuki

Gyaku-zuki to uke

Mae-geri

Yoko-geri keage

Kokutsu-dachi, shuto-uke

KIHON WAZA (moving technique)

Oi-zuki, zenshin; sagatte, Sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

Mae-geri zenshin; sagatte, sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

Mae-gen, jodan-zuki to sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

Kiba-dachi, yori-ashi, Yoko-geri, keage

Jodan-chudan niren zuki to sono-uke, gyaku-zuki

KATA

Happo-geri ,Heian Nidan

Grading Students:

Basic Techniques

Horse stance and punch

(1)

Jodan -face level

(2)

Chudan -stomach level Reverse punch and block Front kick Side snap kick Back stance, knife hand block

Basic Moving Techniques

Moving forward lunge punch; going back, block and reverse punch

Moving forward front kick; going back, block and reverse punch

Front kick, face punch; going back, block and reverse punch

Horse stance, feet together Side snap kick

Face and stomach punch; going back, block and reverse punch

1) Must have trained at least 15 sessions for adults, or 25 sessions for juniors, since passing 8th kyu exam.

2) Must have stable body balance with good techniques.

6th Kyu

Yellow Belt

Basic Techniques

Back stance, knife hand block; Front stance spear hand thrust Side thrust kick Round house kick

Basic Moving Techniques

Moving forward 3 punches;

going back, block and reverse punch

Front kick, face punch;

going back, block and reverse punch

Horse stance, cross feet in front,

side thrust kick

Round house kick

Back stance, knife hand block

Basic one step sparring (one

attack). Other side block

and reverse punch.

1) Must have trained at least 15 sessions for adults or 25 sessions for juniors, since passing 7th kyu exam. 2) Must understand all basic points and be able to follow and absord the correct instruction of karate techniques.

5th Kyu

Green Belt

KIHON WAZA

Same as 6th kyu plus:

Yoko-geri kekomi from zenkutsu-dachi

100 KIHON WAZA

Same as 6th kyu plus;

Sanren zuki to sono-kodan

Mae-geri, jodan-chudan-zuki to sono-kodan

Mawashi-geri

Yoko-geri keage(side snap kick)

Yoko-geri kekomi(side thrust kick)

Mae-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan(front kick and reverse punch)

Shuto-uke, nukite (knife hand block and spear hand thrust)

Oi-gyaku-oi-zuki (from free stance)

KATA

Heian Godan

KUMITE

Kihon Ippon Kumite (add mawashi-geri and yoko-geri kekomi)

Grading Students:

1) Must have trained at least 35 sessions for adults or 50 sessions for juniors,

since passing 6th kyu exam. 2) Mawashi-geri and yoko-geri must have correct speed and power. 3) Must demonstrate correct sequences with proper speed, strength, spirit

and good balance.

4th Kyu

Green Belt

KIHONWAZA

Same as 5th kyu

KIHON WAZA

Same as 5th kyu plus; Sanren-zuki to sono-kodan Mae-geri, jodan-chudan-zuki to sono-kodan Oi-gyaku-oi-zuki to sono-kodan Chudan-mae-geri, jodan-mae-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan Mae-geri, mawashi-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan Mae-geri, yoko-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan

KATA

Heian Sandan

KUMITE

Kihon Ippon Kumite

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

Grading Students:

1) Must have trained at least 35 sessions for adults or 50 sessions for juniors,

since passing 5th kyu exam. 2) Require ability over 5th kyu level in every point (see 5th kyu instructions). 3) Tachi-kata and basic techniques must be good.

3rd Kyu

Brown Belt

KIHON WAZA

Same as 4th kyu plus:

Mae-ashi-geri, ushiro-ashi-geri

Hiza-geri

100 KIHON WAZA

Sanren-zuki, zenshin to sono-kodan Mae-geri, oi-gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan Mae-geri, mawashi-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan Chudan-mae-geri, jodan-mae-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan Mae-ashi-geri, ushiro-ashi-geri to sono-kodan

KATA

Shitei : Tekki Shodan

Tokui: Your favourite Heian kata

KUMITE

Kihon Ippon Kumite

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

Shiai Kumite

Grading Students:

1) Must have trained at least 50 sessions for adults or 70 sessions for juniors,

since passing 4th kyu exam.

2) Must have good control.

3) Will be failed if three mistakes are made.

2nd Kyu

Brown Belt

KIHONWAZA

Same as 3rd kyu plus:

Enpi-uchi

KIHON WAZA

Same as 3rd kyu plus:

Yoko-geri, mawashi-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan

Mawashi-geri, yoko-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan

KATA

Bassai-dai

Tekki Shodan

KUMITE

Kihon lppon Kumite

Jiyu lppon Kumite

Shiai Kumite

Grading Students:

1) Must have trained at least 50 sessions for adults or 70 sessions for juniors,

since passing 3rd kyu exam. 2) Must possess knowledge of kata’s three factors and require tactics in kumite. 3) Require very hard training and strong spirit before attempting this higher level.

1st Kyu

Brown Belt

KIHON WAZA

Same as 2nd kyu plus:

Uraken-uchi

Shuto-uchi

100 KIHON WAZA

Same as 2nd kyu plus:

Mae-geri, mawashi-geri, uraken, gyaku-zuki,

Mae-mawashi-geri, gyaku-zuki, neko-ashi-geri, mae-geri, gyaku-zuki

KATA

Shitei: Kanku-dai

Tokui: Tekki Shodan or Bassai-dai

KUMITE

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

Shiai Kumite

Jissen Kumite

Grading Students:

1) Must have trained at least 50 sessions for adults or 70 sessions for juniors, since passing 2nd kyu exam. 2) Must show strength, concentration, force, intensity, and character in both kata and kumite.

Shodan

1st Degree

Black Belt

KIHON WAZA

Sanren-zuki

Mae-geri, jodan-chudan-zuki

Jodan-uke, chudan soto-uke and uchi-uke, gedan-uke, gyaku-zuki

Hiza-geri, jodan-oufuku-enpi

Mae-geri, mawashi-geri, kansetsu-geri

Mae-geri, yoko-geri, ushiro-geri

IDO KIHON WAZA

Sanren-zuki to sono-kodan

Niren mae-geri, gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan

Mae-geri, oi-gyaku-zuki to sono-kodan

Mae-geri, mawashi-geri, yoko-geri, ushiro-geri, gyaku-zuki

Mae-geri, Mawashi-geri, gyaku-zuki, uraken, yoko-geri, gyaku-zuki

Shuto-uke, mae-ashi-geri, nukite

KATA (3 Kata)

Shitei: Tekki Nidan

Jion

Tokui: Favourite kata (Except Heian katas)

KUMITE

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

Jiyu Kumite: Shiai Kumite

Jissen Kumite

MAKIWARA-ZUKI OR TAMESHI-WARI

GRADING STUDENTS:

1. Must train at least 50 sessions for adults, or 70 sessions

for juniors since passing 1st kyu exam.

2. Must submit a thesis of three or more pages on one of the

following topics:

“Karatedo: Existence and Social Life”

“Reasons for Karatedo: Aspirations and Impressions”

Black Belt is the path of a martial artist.

Zachary

Short Bio of Your Sensei
Sensei AW Statz is a Canadian writer, teacher, and martial artist with over thirty years of experience in both education and the dojo. He has taught literature, mythology, and history, coached hundreds of karate students, and worked in places as varied as steel mills and lumberyards.

That wide range of experience—and one lingering question, What are young people really searching for?—inspired his first novel, Zachary: The Invisible Veil, a YA fantasy that weaves together spiritual depth, myth, and adventure.

Sensei still teaches karate weekly and, when not writing, can be found coaching in the dojo, reading mythology with coffee in hand, or sidestepping metaphorical roundhouse kicks from his students…and occasionally, his editors.

As a new author, choosing the right editor is a leap of faith—and choosing Kristen Hamilton was the best decision I could have made. From her first 500-word sample to her final note on “the last confusing sentence,” Kristen brought professionalism, clarity, and genuine care to every step. Her developmental insights were sharp, her line edits precise, and her encouragement steady. She didn’t just edit Zachary: The Invisible Veil—she elevated it.

—Andrew Statz, Zachary: The Invisible Veil

---

A Note for Families
Over the years, many Christian families have come through our karate doors. While I’ve had the occasional thoughtful conversation about philosophy or values, I’ve always respected that spiritual formation begins at home. I believe a child’s beliefs—whatever their background—are best nurtured within the family. Faith, to me, is personal. It’s not for debate, but for quiet reflection, resilience, and growth.

That’s why Zachary: The Invisible Veil doesn’t preach—it invites. It’s not a sermon—it’s a story. One that opens the imagination, stirs the heart, and asks: What if there’s more to this world than we see?

In a world that often demands quick answers, this book dares to be patient. And history reminds us—the pendulum always swings back. The key is to be ready.

—AW Statz

---

What’s Zachary About?

Zachary: The Invisible Veil — Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Zachary Switch thought he was on track for university. He had the academic record his mother hoped for. What he didn’t know was that his adoptive father, Dr. Theo Switch, had very different plans—and heavenly agents were already involved.

Zachary is taken to the Guardian Academy, a hidden school for the children of angels. There, he discovers he is a Nephilim—descended from angels—and is plunged into a world he never imagined. Alongside his friends Rachel and Neil, Zachary is tested by the Nephilim Council, trained in battle, and given a mission that could shape the fate of the world.

But their mission isn’t just dangerous—it’s personal. If they fail, Rachel and Neil risk being lost to the shadows beyond the Veil. As they travel to Jerusalem with Zachary’s father, truths are revealed. When the mission ends, Dr. Switch doesn’t return.

In the months that follow, the Nephilim Council begins to question whether Zachary’s loyalties—and bloodline—pose a threat. What they discover is bigger than anyone expected: Zachary’s real father is the Angel of Death.

And the story is just beginning. If you’d like to peek at the listing, here’s Amazon’s “Look Inside”: 

📖📖 Available now on Amazon — Find Zachary: The Invisible Veil on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FLV37J55