“The students
are our inspiration and we hope to inspire them
in return”
Caledonia Martial Arts Academy is operated by
two 5th degree black belt (godan) certified instructors,
Sensei Troy and Sensei Tony. Both men have been
training for over 20 years and draw on a wealth
of knowledge and instructing backgrounds. It is
their respect for the arts and commitment to Mushashi’s
principal “the way is in training”
that has developed into a relentless ability to
pass the message to their students. They encourage
an atmosphere that allows students to enjoy themselves
while getting into great shape and learning to
truly defend themselves. Their teaching also encourages
students to build their confidence, motivation
and concentration while embodying the concepts
of respect and integrity. The club is affiliated
with the World Congress of Shintani Wado-Kai Karate.
When asked their favourite part of training and
teaching, both admit to having too many to choose.
Tony is best known for his wide range of self
defense techniques and weapons training. Troy
provides a precision of kata and basics, but we
all know his true calling is anything sparring.
CMAA Black Belts:
Sensei Steve received his 3rd
degree black belt (sandan) in December 2009 and
obtained his instructor’s certification
in 2006. Steve has enjoyed training under the
guidance of the head instructors the longest of
all CMAA black belts. He was not only a great
help to build the club (literally), but has been
instrumental in continuing the training principals
adopted by the club. Steve loves to spar and has
developed many styles and strategies.
Sensei Julie is a 2nd degree
black belt (neidan) and obtained her instructor’s
certification in 2008. Julie joined CMAA as a
student after watching her son in the kids’
class. The first student to make the journey from
white belt to black in the club, she enjoys the
diversity and commitment to training the club
provides. Her favourite technique – haito
(of course).
Sensei Craig received his 2nd
degree black belt (neidan) and his instructor’s
certification in December, 2009. Craig joined
CMAA as a teenager to help with his carreer path.
Being successful in both venues, Craig continues
his training with unfailing commitment. His particular
interests lie in training self-defense techniques
and continuous sparring.
Sensei Mark received his 1st
degree black belt (shodan) in 2006. Mark loves
the challenges that karate brings - both mentally
and physically. He has entered many competitions
with kata and sparring and is famous for making
up a kata on the fly!
Sensei Mike received his 1st
degree black belt (shodan) in 2008. Mike joined
the club with his son not knowing that he would
become immediately hooked himself. Always one
to train his katas, he truly enjoys the level
of fitness he has achieved and maintains, but
the comraderie of the club is his favourite.
Sensei Emily achieved her 1st
degree black (shodan) in 2009. Emily is the youngest
shodan and the youngest in club to break concrete
although she is definitely not the least experienced.
She began training in the kid’s class and
held the rank of junior black belt for 2 years.
With hands on knowledge of both the kids and the
adult classes, she is a true asset to the team.
Sensei Chris, Sensei Christine and Sensei
Ashley have joined CMAA while previously
obtaining black belt ranks in another system.
They bring CMAA their experience and diversity
with katas, weapons and sparring.
Sempai Liam, Sempai Connor, Sempai Ryan
and Sempai Ethan all hold the rank of
junior black belt (shodan ho). All four began
training at CMAA at young ages and when people
speak of the benefits of training in the martial
arts, it is clear to see the results in these
young men. They are confident, respectful, determined
and disciplined – they are enthusiastic
role models as senior students.
|
