Shihan Varun Jettly’s martial arts journey began in a small town in India, driven by an unshakable determination to rise in the discipline despite limited access to formal training. Inspired by Bruce Lee films and fueled by relentless self-practice, he began formal Karate training at age 10 after convincing his protective mother to let him pursue his passion. From that moment forward, he immersed himself in rigorous practice, competing in state and national championships and performing daring public demonstrations that showcased his extraordinary resilience and skill.
In 2001, Shihan Jettly founded the School of Traditional Martial Arts. His pursuit of excellence led him to Japan in 2007 to train under Senior Grandmasters, and he served as Chief Instructor of his Karate federation in India for three consecutive years. Expanding his horizons, he moved to the UK in 2009 to study Jiu Jitsu and later Krav Maga and Kenpo Karate in Portugal. Throughout this time, he continued coaching, refereeing, and judging international competitions, including the Portugal Championship and the prestigious Karate Association World Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Shihan Varun’s global journey continued in Canada, where he developed his own martial arts style and became a certified National Coach and Referee under Karate Canada. He established another branch of his academy in Edmonton and earned recognition from multiple international bodies, including the International Hall of Fame Society and the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Now a 7th Dan Black Belt Grandmaster, Shihan Varun Jettly stands as a testament to perseverance, discipline, and global impact. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, he remains committed to mentoring students and promoting martial arts values through his thriving School of Traditional Martial Arts in North Edmonton. His legacy continues to grow through his affiliations with esteemed organizations and his unwavering devotion to the art.
He is a lifetime member of numerous prestigious martial arts organizations, including Karate Canada, Chunjido International America, The Karate Association (TKA) America, International Kokusai Bugei Kesa America, Jukoshin Ryu International UK, MSD Ryu International Portugal, and the United States Martial Artists Association. These affiliations reflect not only his technical mastery but also his dedication to fostering international unity and respect within the martial arts community.
Whether training with legends like O-Sensei Robert Cutrell, Soke Johnny Thompson, Soke Bryan Cheek, and others, or judging world-class tournaments, Grandmaster Varun Jettly continues to embody the spirit of martial arts. His journey—from practicing kicks on a railway ground in India to becoming an internationally certified coach and referee—is a powerful reminder that passion, grit, and vision can transcend borders and inspire generations.