NKS DIRECTORS
Northern Karate Schools have a roster that includesĀ hundredsĀ of certified black belt instructors who teach with guidance of NKS Directors.
All NKS Directors are full-time, professional martial arts educators, and while they boast impressive rankings and titles, every senior member of our team regards him/herself as a student, training regularly with the humble, passionate heart of a beginner.
Several also have degrees in education, medicine/physical therapy, business, language or marketing, but their real āschoolingā has been practicing, researching and teaching martial arts for decades.Ā They also excel atĀ MBWAĀ (Management by Walking Around), and take a hands-on approach to refining every aspect of school management daily, driven by a single-minded commitment to excellence and honouring NKSā mission:Ā Ā provide the best martial arts and life skills education.
We could write a book, several, about how much Hanshi Cezar Borkowski loves martial arts and what heās done for combative sports for more than 50 years (he knew what he wanted to be when he was 9-years old).Ā We could impress you with his rankings (heās a 10thĀ Degree Black Belt in Karate Do and 9thĀ Degree Black Belt in Kobudo) and titles ā he was inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2011, is the International Director of theĀ Ryu Kyu No Kaze Society, and Director of Karate for the World Kobudo Federation (all of which is a big deal if youāre proudly Canadian, fascinated by traditional karate and kobudo, or interested in the worldās largest, multidiscipline martial arts organization).Ā FYI, heās a certified Master Instructor (All Okinawan Karate-do Federation, Japan) ā this is huge.Ā His competitive record is wow-worthy: Six-time Canadian Champion and Rated # 1 by NASKA and PKL.Ā We could tell you that Hanshi is generous and likes to share, particularly martial arts skills, and thatās heās trained many champions, and was voted Instructor of the Year (OKC and NBBL) and Coach of the Year (Martial Arts Magazine).
Hanshiās a genuine āBu Bunā (Japanese lesson: āmartial and scholarā) guy, so when heās not kicking and punching, heās really into research and writing, books and articles like āThe Complete Idiotās Guide to Martial Artsā, āThe History and Traditions of Okinawan Martial Artsā, and print and digital pieces for several international publications.Ā We could also let you know that he appreciates all media and that in addition to being on both sides of the camera, as technical adviser, director, and talent ā he is featured inĀ The Winning PointĀ andĀ Kobudo WeaponsĀ series. His other pastimes are reading, traveling (with his wife), cooking, and studying Asian language. While most people take vacationsĀ fromĀ work, he takes themĀ forĀ work, practicing karate and kobudo in Okinawa, Muay Thai in Bangkok, Silat in Singapore, Bakti Negara in Bali, and BJJ in NYC.
Whether developing a unique curriculum or whipping up a delicious meal, he has a rare gift for combining the best āingredientsā. Beyond these amazing credentials and accomplishments, what we really want you to know is that heās an incredibly gifted teacher, one who would ratherĀ showĀ you thanĀ tell you why something works. Heās crazy passionate about what he does and what students get out of their practice. His knowledge of all martial arts is encyclopedic (that means he knows a lot about them) but heās not stuffy. Heās a terrific educator and motivator ā whether teaching an energetic 5-year beginner, a teen or adult black belt, one of his many international guests, or a group of 20ā¦or 200.Ā Most importantly, Hanshi Borkowski is the heart and soul of Northern Karate Schools.
P.S. In spite of these achievements, heād never brag and tell you this stuff ā so we did.
Hanshi Ouslis has been fascinated by all martial arts for nearly 50 years and holds a 9th Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation, and All Okinawan Karate-Do Federation, Japan. Heās one of a handful of students who were founding members of Northern Karate Schools (NKS) in the 1970s. Currently, he is a Director at the NKS Steeles Dojo and has been a martial arts instructor for over 40 years. In addition to his martial arts, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UofT. Sensei Ouslis is also a certified acupuncturist, a card-carrying member of the Ontario Association of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thus he is a firm believer in keeping it ānaturalā ā as in healing. Hanshi travels, teaches and performs throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He was a formidable competitor, a ātriple threatā in kata, sparring, and weapons divisions. Becoming a provincial and national champion. He was top-ten rated by Karate Illustrated Magazine and voted Male Black Belt Competitor by the Ontario Karate Circuit. When heās not wearing his gi and obi, he cross-trains, reads, does volunteer work in his community, spends time with his lovely way Kerri and plays guitar. He is also convinced that chocolate is one of the four major food-groups and The Three Stooges represent high comedy.
Kyoshi LaSelva launched his martial arts journey more than forty years ago.Ā Describing him as āpassionateā would be an understatement.Ā Heās an ardent practitioner, teacher and researcher who hasnāt met a martial art he doesnāt like (heās explored so many styles that weāve lost count).Ā Heās an 8thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan (ok, if you want to impress your friends, you could sayĀ danĀ because this is the Japanese word for rank).
Kyoshi currently directs one of the most-respected and fastest growing martial arts schools in North America (nowĀ thatās impressive). He also oversees several community programs taught throughout the Richmond Hill school system.Ā A dynamo in the dojo (Japanese Lesson: āschoolā), at international events and even on the music scene (ssshhhhh ā like other super heroes he has a secret identity ā read on), heās frequently (as inĀ always), described as a force of nature (think monsoon meets hurricane).Ā Heās got āpedigreeā, certification from the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karatedo Federation. He travelsā¦.lots, instructs abroadā¦lotsā¦.and when not hitting things (bags, pads or an unlucky partner), he hits the road ā putting pedal-to-the-pavement as a cyclist, or pedal-to-the-metal as a car enthusiast.
Kyoshi loves spending time with his wife and partner (Shihan Dori LaSelva a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt) and his two children, and three dogs. Ā As the āVoice of NKSā, he knows his way around the business-end of a microphone, and sometimes trades-in karate āheavy metalā (weapons, that is) for the rock-and-roll type as the front-man for up-and-coming band Ugly Melon.
Kyoshi Manzoās introduction to martial arts was a āhappy accidentā when a fellow-student at university brought her to a karate class. Four decades later, her relationship with the martial arts and this friend are stronger than ever.Ā Sheās got āparchmentā: a 1stĀ Degree Black Belt from NYC Master Toyataro Miyazaki (heās famous), and certification from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate-Do Federation, Japan (big-time organizations). In addition to an 8thĀ Degree Black Belt, she has a B.A. in Communications and Marketing, and worked in advertising and sports marketing before heading up NKSā Hombu dojo (Japanese Lesson: ācentral schoolā).
Kyoshi has practiced a variety of martial arts and yoga styles (and occasionally confusesĀ kiaiĀ andĀ om), and she cross-trains ā a lot ā all of which has helped her create programs like Cardio CombatĀ® and Budo BlissĀ®. As for medals, trophies and shiny hardware, she won truckloads. She was among the NASKAās top-ten female competitors and voted Female Black Belt Competitor by the U.S. Shotokai Association and Ontario Karate Circuit.
Kyoshi was inducted into the World Registry of Black Belts Hall of Fame and named aĀ Woman on the MoveĀ by the Toronto Sun (to those whoāve dubbed her the NKS āEnergizer Bunnyā, sheās always been āa woman on the moveā).Ā FYI ā she was the first female inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame two years ago.Ā Kyoshi has written books and articles, is a featured performer at international events, on TV programs and tapes. She hates airports ā and turbulence, but loves travelling, especially with her husband, Cezar Borkowski. Little known fact:Ā she can eat her bodyweight in chocolate.
Itās difficult to imagine NKSā resident āsamuraiā (Japanese lesson: āwarriorā), Kyoshi Simonetta as an 8-year old beginning his karate training in 1975.Ā Four years later, he made history, as the youngest student to receive a 1stĀ Degree Black Belt from his former teacher. He was featured in the local press, and while undoubtedly hounded by Woodbridge paparazzi, he remained ever-humble (ok, maybe his head swelled a little).Ā With more than forty years under his 7thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan, he has an impressive track-record inside and outside the dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā). Kyoshi left his life as an architect in the rearview mirror and moved full-steam-ahead as a director of one of NKSā longest-standing dojo.Ā Ā He recently travelled to Okinawa where he and NKSā Elite Team trained with some of the worldās most respected martial arts masters.Ā They also did our nation āproudā competing at the World Kobudo Championships, bringing the heat to the Ryu Kyuan archipelago (it was August and seriously hot and humid).Ā Ā Like all NKS seniors, even after decades of training, Kyoshi practices with the enthusiasm of a beginner and is looking forward to discovering more about the martial arts and sharing NKSā life-changing benefits with students (we knowā¦that sounds kinda new-agey, but itās true, so we left it in).Ā His other passions are fishing, woodworking (eat your heart out Ikea ā he can hammer a 2Ć4, or splinter it with his shin),Ā as well as spending time with his wife, Diana, and daughter, both of whom are black belt members of the NKS team (thereās a lot of that at Northern Karate ā families that kick together and stick together).
Kyoshi Vona began kicking and punching in 1974 (maybe earlierā¦we havenāt seen a sonogram), and over the past forty plus years, has researched and practiced a multitude of martial arts.Ā He has an 8thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan. Heās also very into different styles of karate (Japanese lesson: āempty handā), kobudo (Japanese lesson: āweaponsā or āancient martial wayā), and jiu-jitsu (although it took him some time, and painful research, to figure out that āBrazilianā was a term also used outside beauty salons).Ā Additionally, like Vladimir Putin, he has an appreciation for judo (Japanese lesson: āsoft/gentle wayā). Taking the same full-contact approach he uses in creating the worldās-most-delicious-pasta-sauce, Kyoshi is famous for combining things on the mat ā this makes him one of our most dynamic and popular Combat VeritasĀ® (MMA) teachers.Ā Heās a busy guy and directs two schools (including one of our newest locations in Woodbridge).Ā In addition to his impressive workload at the dojo (Japanese lesson āschoolā), heās imbedded in the community teaching Bully ProofĀ® and Reality CheckĀ® programs in local private and public schools.Ā Heās a featured martial arts instructor at events north and south of the border (unless and until thereās a fence keeping him out), in Europe (where his āCafĆ© Cosā is legendary) and Asia.Ā NKSā residentĀ bon vivantĀ (a little French for Canadaās bilingual community), Kyoshi also enjoys taking road trips with his two children and wife (4thĀ Degree Black Belt, Lucy Vona) in search of the perfect burger, pizza or risotto (what we describe as National Lampoonās āVacationā meets āDiners, Drive-ins and Divesā). Stay tuned. Their culinary quest continues.
Kyoshi Walsh immigrated to Canada from England to train at Northern Karate Schools. Nope ā thatās a fib. He came to Toronto in 1979, did other stuff for three years and happily (for both him and us), began training at NKS in 1982.Ā He has papersā¦and more papersā¦an 8thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan.Ā He also has a Bachelor of Education and an Ontario Teaching Certificate (although he doesnāt carry them around with him). Kyoshi loves āthe artsā ā whether of the martial or musical variety ā and is highly accomplished at both.Ā Heās blissed-out when kicking and punching, or swinging weaponsā¦Ā fast, or slowing things down with Chi Gung and Tai Chi (in addition to 35 years practicing karate and kobudo, heās an avid Chinese-stylist).Ā Ā Beyond the dojo, heās big on music nights, sampling sake and beer, and travelling (something he does for both business and pleasure).Ā He has conducted field research in Asia, Europe and North America and is a featured instructor at international events, and has appeared on television programs and martial arts videotapes.Ā What doesnāt he like?Ā Bullies!Ā So much so, that he has combined his martial arts and teaching expertise to createĀ Bully Proof® (a program that delivers real world advice to children and families in the GTA).Ā He also knows how to read and write extremely well, and together with Hanshi Cezar Borkowski, has co-authored several magazine articles and edited the āHistory and Traditions of Okinawan Martial Artsā. Ā Kyoshi is mega-happy when teaching students (big and small) and preparing more black belts to lead NKS forward.Ā Heās also mega-happy spending time with his wife and two children, and riding anything on two wheelsā¦with or without an engine.
After more than three decades as a student and teacher at NKSā Midtown school, Kyoshi Servello has major āsweat equityā at Northern Karate. Heās featured in martial arts tapes and instructional materials and has performed, competed and taught in Canada and Europe. He and his brother (yes āanother keep-it-in-the-family NKS team) are starring members of Northern Karateās International Demo Crew.Ā Like other elite senior teachers, his passport was stamped in Okinawa in 2009, where he received a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from Tetsuhiro Hokama, President of the All Okinawan Karate Do Federation (Hokama is a famous martial arts master, budo historian and founder of the Okinawan Karate Museum).Ā Ā Kyoshi is even more honoured that Hanshi Borkowski presented his belt at Shuri Castle (for karate people, this is THE place to celebrate advanced rank graduation). Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International and the World Kobudo Federation awarded him the same rank, and in 2017, he was promoted to Kyoshi. In addition to lightning-fast kicks, devastating self-defense moves and a movie-star smile, he has a business degree ā all of which come in handy directing Hombu dojo (Japanese lesson: ācentral schoolā) ā because it has a great rep and itās been around a long time, and like Okinawa (the birthplace of karate) NKS Midtown is the ābirthplaceā of Northern Karate.Ā His extra-curricular activities include spending time with his wife (Frances) family and friends, cars, motorcycles, cooking and cross-training (fyi ā heās NKSā Kettlebell King).
Kyoshi Vinagreiro is a born fighter (no, not āBourneā like Jason, but ābornā as in a feisty infant). His doctors knew he had a heart defect that required open-heart surgery at eighteen months old. Ā What they couldnāt know is that instead of growing up frail, his parents would enroll him at Northern Karate and more than three decades later, he would become the skillful, healthy and super-fit martial artist he is today (we knowā¦this sounds like the plot-line for some made-for-Netflix drama, but itās 100% true).Ā Ā He has a B.E. from Western and an Ontario Teaching Certificate (heās a smart guy).Ā Heās really into travelling and has studied and taught (academics and martial arts) abroad ā he received a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from All Okinawan Karate Do Federation Headmaster Tetsuhiro Hokama in the birthplace of karate, Okinawa.Ā Additionally, heās a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt with Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International and the World Kobudo Federation, and in 2017, was promoted to Kyoshi. He lived and taught in London (England, not Ontario), before opening one of NKSā most successful schools in Markham. Kyoshi is a multidimensional person:Ā in addition to martial arts practice and cross training, he likes poetry (although thereās still some debate as to whether the pen is mightier than the sword).Ā He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Agnes (she manages their business) and their son, hiking, biking and fishing around the world.
Over 30 years, Kyoshi Moscone has progressed from student to teacher to school director (unlike other martial arts organizations, we donāt have āfreelancersā ā our senior team have trained with us for decades).Ā At tournaments throughout North America, he, his sister and brother were āThe First Family of Martial Artsā. They won over a thousand trophies (their family did a lot of dusting), and as members of NKSā award-winning demo team, appeared at live events, in photos and videos (check-out the pic of Kyoshi and other NKS demo crew with Jackie Chan!). Heās also taught and performed in Europe.Ā During a training and research trip to Okinawa (karateās ācradleā), he received a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from Master Tetsuhiro Hokama (heās legendary) on behalf of the All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, with a second graduation ceremony at Shuri Castle (also legendary). He holds the same rank with Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International and the World Kobudo Federation, was inducted into the Eastern Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and in 2017, was promoted to Kyoshi.Ā He has a B.Sc. in Kinesiology with specialized honours in Sport Therapy and combines his martial arts expertise and academic background to keep things fresh ā Kyoshiās conditioning classes are wild.Ā Outside of his school (literally, āoutsideā because he loves nature), Kyoshi travels, cross-trains and loves hanging out with his wife (Natalieās a 3rdĀ Degree Black Belt and chiropractor), two sons (Kyoshi has designed their outstanding t-shirt and onesie collection), family and friends.
Shihan Barrett is a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan (big-time organizations). In addition to nearly a quarter-century at Northern Karate Schools, he has trained, instructed and performed overseas, including two years studying karate and kobudo (Japanese lesson: āempty hand and weaponsā) while teaching English in Japan.Ā He has credentialsā¦and then some: a B.A. in English Literature and Japanese Studies and B.E. OISE (Teachers College) from UoT.Ā Ā After graduating from university and teaching in high schools throughout the GTA and further afield, he moved away from academia and toward NKS, as a Co-Director of NKS Midtown and more recently, Director of our newest branch in High Park.Ā A bonafide Japanophile (that means heās truly interested in all things Japanese), heās fluent in the language and knows a lot about the history, culture and philosophy of the Land of the Rising Sun ā enough to contribute to translations of martial arts articles and books and serving as translator for Okinawan and mainland Japanese dignitaries.Ā Beyond his role at NKS Midtown and High Park locations, he directs NKSā Personal Best Success System, an off-site lunchtime program that has raised more than $100,000 to date for local schools.Ā He also enjoys reading, travelling, spending quality time with his wife (Nozomi-san) and daughterā¦.and sampling great sake and beer.
With more than a quarter-century under his 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan (wow), Shihan Christie has studied a variety of martial arts over the past two decades and holds a deep and abiding respect for all. In addition to his impressive karate and kobudo (Japanese lesson: āempty hand and weaponsā) diploma and awards, he holds a National Coaching Certificate with a specialization in elite sports and athletics. Add to this his background as a professional life coach and youāve got a fail-proof recipe for motivation and empowerment.Ā āYou can do itā is Shihanās mantra and his message ā and he leads by example. His fierce martial spirit and clean combative style are hidden beneath an easy-going, affable attitude. Heās a serious karateka (Japanese lesson: ākarate studentā) and a nice guy.Ā Shihanās technical talents and people skills have enabled him to expand NKS AjaxĀ into one of our most vibrant dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā).Ā Ā He loves to teach ā whether instructing a childās first introductory class, energizing an intermediate group of teens, or taking advanced adult students and black belts through their paces, heās āonā.Ā Outside the dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā), Shihan enjoys cross-training, sports, reading, travelling and spending time with his wife (Roxanne) and their two children.
He immigrated to Canada from France in 1995 with his Masterās of International Business Administration. He spent several year traveling the world for business using his foreign language skills. After a successful career in the corporate world in technology, Shihan Fernandez decided to use his 30 years of Martial art training to give back to the community by teaching martial art to families and schools. A 5th Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan, Shihan Fernandez has been training with the Northern Karate Team for over 20 years. Heās a skilled and passionate instructor, who strives to link the art of Karate training with real life martial applications. A teacher at heart, Shihan Fernandez loves to give back to students what he learnt from Hanshi Cezar Borkowski, the senior staff at Northern Karate Schools as well as the different martial art seminar he attends. When not teaching, he spends his time with his 3 children and would not mind going on a long motorcycle tour if time allows.
A member of the Northern Karate family for more than 25 years, Shihan Kerr is an instructor whoās much in-demand (translation: peopleĀ reallyĀ want to train with her) inside and outside her dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā).Ā Her 6thĀ Degree Black Belt is recognized by Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan. In addition to teaching classes at one of NKSā āyoungestā and most successful schools, Shihan conducts karate and personal protection courses for local elementary and secondary schools, fitness organizations and community groups. Her expertise includes NKSā unique programs, like Bully ProofĀ® and Reality CheckĀ®, as well as womenās self-defense and empowerment workshops. She lives and breathes this role as an outstanding female martial artist, professional educator, business owner, wife and mother.Ā In support of our diverse curriculum and her goal āĀ to provide optimum, cutting-edge training for NKS studentsĀ ā Shihan cross-trains and practices Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and South East Asian martial arts. Her paperwork? In addition to her beautiful karate diploma, sheās a Certified Personal Trainer who skillfully combines her martial and fitness skills in Cardio CombatĀ® classes that are highly popular, highly challenging and highly fun!Ā Other things she finds highly fun? Spending time with her husband (and business partner, Sensei Vito) and their children, whether in familiar Maple, or more exotic ports of call.
After graduating from one of Northern Karateās school/community programs, Shihan LaSelva began training at NKS twenty-five years ago, and is one of our most popular instructors and performers.Ā She holds a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan (yikes!).Ā Sheās great at kata, kumite and kobudo (Japanese lesson: āforms, sparring and weaponsā). Shihanās classes ā especially her high-octane Cardio CombatĀ® workshops ā are packed with students of all ranks and ages.Ā She brings the same level of sweat and intensity to her yoga practice and is famous (or, infamous?) for fusing Moksha with martial arts. Ask anyone ā thereās only one thing more daunting than making it through one of her challenging (we meanĀ reallyĀ challenging) sessions ā preparing for the next one.Ā Did we mention that sheās also into cross-training? Weāve nicknamed her Spider Samurai, and with her super-human strength and flexibility, she could join Cirque du Soleil.Ā Shihanās also a passionate business owner. Twenty years ago, she and her husband (Kyoshi Tony LaSelva) co-founded NKS Richmond Hill, and the dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā) has continued to flourish with them at the helm. Wait. Weāre not done yet ā sheās a skillful cook, our trend-guru and a devoted mother of two (both her son and daughter teach at NKS). Shihan and the LaSelvas love training, travelling and spending timeĀ en familleĀ (we thought it would be nice and p.c. to recognize Canadaās bilingual community so we added a little French).Ā
Jamaican-born Shihan Lewis has been training in martial arts at NKS for over 30 years. In fact, heās one of the founding-members of NKSā Don Mills dojo. Heās got skillsā¦lots of them, especially with classical martial arts weapons like bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, kama and eiku (Japanese lesson:Ā āstaff, truncheon, baton, flail, sickle and oarā). This soft-spoken 6thĀ Degree Black Belt, from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan, is armed but not dangerous.Ā Shihan is a super-popular NKS teacher ā so much so, that he instructs at two locations (NKS Don Mills and Mississauga).Ā He has trained and taught in Canada and Asia (heās made the trek to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate). When heās not hitting, kicking or swinging things, he can be found travelling with his wife and their two daughters.
For more than a quarter-century, Shihan Manalo has been practicing and teaching at Northern Karate Schools.Ā He holds a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt with Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan. He loves,Ā loves,Ā LOVESĀ instructing ā from preschoolers to seniors and beginners to black belts. Like all NKS directors, martial arts are his passion and his profession, and because training has given him so much, heās driven to share his skills with others (good guy = good karma).Ā In addition to his remarkable karate and kobudo skills (Japanese lesson:Ā āempty hand and weaponsā), heās a gifted grappler (cross-training in BJJ and submission wrestling). With Northern Karateās innovative curriculum, thereās ample opportunity for Shihan to blend his stand-up and ground game.Ā Shihanās brother, two sisters, son and step-son are vital members of his keep-it-in-the-family NKS dojo (Japanese lesson:Ā āschoolā) team. WeĀ shouldĀ must mention his wife and business partner (Renshi Kim, a 4thĀ Degree Black Belt). Sheās a hardworking martial arts school owner, teacherā¦and mother of six (yes,Ā SIX!), so if she can find time to train, everyone can!Ā This tightly-knit clan enjoys spending time together inside, and outside, the dojo.
Shihan Villar is a 6thĀ Degree Black Belt with Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan.Ā Heās been a member of the NKS family for more than thirty years. Heās fiercely proud of his Northern Karate background and recently competed with our Elite Team at the World Kobudo Championships in Okinawa. Heās also equally enamored of his heritage and has trained in the Filipino Martial Art, Arnis. Heās as good at this as he is at karate and holds world titles in the World Escrima Kali Arnis Federation. Heās enriched NKSā vast curriculum by incorporating stick-defense into classes, workshops and demonstrations.Ā Shihan came to NKS as a 10-year old and as so many of our senior staff, what was once his hobby became a profession, and now, a career.Ā He and Kyoshi Walsh are co-owners and the driving force behind one of NKSā longest-running schools in Don Mills.Ā Theyāre also fast friends (fast as in close vs āspeedyā).Ā In addition to a passion for martial arts, they share an interest in music, although Shihan prefers āspinningā to playing.Ā Heās a talented DJ and āmixerā ā at the turntable and in the dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā) ā with playlists that take NKS performances to a new (and oftenĀ loud) level.Ā Heās also a fantastic father and husband, and boasts some serious cred in the kitchen.
After three decades at Northern Karate Schools as a student and part-time instructor, Shihan Chung traded in his badge and uniform for a gi and obi (Japanese lesson: āuniform and beltā). He left life as a Metro Police Constable behind and moved forward into a career at NKS, swapping the front seat of a squad car for the helm of our Rutherford dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā) where he co-directs one of our most successful large schools with Kyoshi Vona.Ā His 5thĀ Degree Black Belt, drive for martial excellence, experience in law enforcement and B.A. in Psychology (York University) have prepared him for his new role (particularly the psych degree). His rank is certified by Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan (big-time organizations). He loves to train and he loves to teach.Ā Even as a senior instructor and director with thirty yearsā experience, he also loves NKSā challenging curriculum as he learns more about martial arts every day.Ā What else does he love?Ā Non-dojo time with his wife and business partner, Renshi Daniela (an amazing teacher and 5thĀ Degree Black Belt, sheās Kyoshi Simonettaās sister ā we definitely keep things in the family), their 2 children and dog, Cooper.
Shihan Toupin, a 5th Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, has been a proud member of the Northern Karate Team since the mid-1990s.Ā Shihan is an energetic karate and kobudo (Japanese lesson: āempty hand and weaponsā) student and teacher. Heās famous for analyzing martial minutia, and is prone to examining the fine points of every kata (Japanese lesson: āformā ā did you know that the single and plural forms are identical?).Ā This eye for detail has made him a gifted practitioner and exacting instructor (translation:Ā he demands a lot from himself and works hard to bring out the best in our students).Ā In addition to teaching dynamic classes at our Aurora dojo (Japanese lesson: āschoolā) and training and performing internationally, Shihan is committed to contributing locally. He runs self-defense and martial-themed programs in public and private schools in the Aurora area, including Northern Karate Schoolsā community initiative, NKSPBSS.Ā In his non-dojo life, heās on the tennis court, watching films, playing billiards and trying to remain upright on in-line skates (good news ā our curriculum features breakfalls).Ā Youāll also find him enjoying time with his wife and business partner (Sensei Charity, a 2ndĀ Degree Black Belt) and their children.