Sensei Stephen Forrester - Sandan (3rd Dan)

Sensei Steve was one of the dojo's first students.  Now in his early 50's, Sensei has trained in the martial arts for over 30 years.  As well as working full time, he is very involved in the community, working as a regular volunteer on a Search and Rescue Team.  He is known as a stickler for tradition.  He is extremely dedicated to the dojo and has been of great help through the years being one of the first students at the dojo. Sensei Steve passed his Sandan (3rd Dan) grading on June 9, 2007.  Preparing himself for the last few months with extra training to improve his physical conditioning, Sensei fought more than double the necessary number of fights required for his age group.

Sempai Richard Garvis - Nidan (2nd Dan)

Sempai Richard came to the dojo in the fall of 2004 having previously earned his Shodan over 20 years ago with an east-end Kyokushin dojo.  Sempai Richard currently teaches the early-bird adult classes during the week from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. (yup...you read that right :-)), keeping those students in top form with his own style of rigid warm ups (and a coffee or two).  Please check our Schedule to confirm times.

Sempai Patsy Lavoie - Nidan (2nd Dan)

Sempai Patsy started training in Kyokushin Karate as a teenager.  After 5 years of intense training and participation in many tournaments, Sempai Patsy took a break to concentrate on school.  In 2001, after a five year hiatus from karate, she resumed her training at the Deux Montagnes Dojo with Sensei Bruno Deschenes.  It was there that she helped train a student to fight at the European Championships in Belgium.  In 2004, Sempai Patsy was graded to Shodan (1st degree black belt) by Shihan Roman Szyrajew.  Later that year, she went to Japan and attended the World Championships in Isesaki City.  Sempai Patsy joined West Island Karate in 2005 and is currently the Director of the Pierrefonds dojo where she teaches three times a week in addition to training at the Beaconsfield location at least twice per week.  Sempai Patsy was graded to Nidan by Shihan Roman in March of 2008.

Sempai Tony DiGennaro - Shodan (1st Dan)

Sempai Tony was also one of the first students to start training with the dojo.  He has been an integral part of the dojo's success.  A Director of Marketing and a family man with a very busy schedule, Sempai Tony still finds time to consistently train inside and outside the dojo.  Though he is in his mid 50's, he is still a very difficult partner to spar with.  He is an example for all that dedication and hard work are keys to attaining your goals.

Sempai Yves Guenet - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Yves joined the dojo in the year 2000.  Soon after, his son and daughter joined the children's program.  He has been very dedicated not only with his training, but with dojo activities and events.  Sempai Yves is always there to help at dojo functions and tournaments.  Sempai Yves started assisting in adult and children's classes and is known for his hard workouts.

Sempai Victor Cicchino - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Victor started training in the year 2000 and is an extremely strong karate-ka who is often seen still on the dojo floor working after class has ended.  Assisting with the children and primarily with the teenagers, he is well liked by the students even though he puts them through very hard training.  The windows are always fogged up by the time his classes are over.

Sempai Alain Carriere - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Alain had started training 20 years ago, receiving his brown belt while in college.  After both his children started training at the dojo, he decided that it was time to continue.  He has been with the dojo for over 3 years now and instructs in the teen class as well as training in the adult class.  Sempai Alain has tremendous spirit and is known for his great kicking ability.

Sempai Michael - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Michael was one of the first children to be instructed by Sensei John.  Coming from the former dojo as a green belt at the age of nine, Sempai Michael has been with the dojo from the beginning.  Now in his late teens, he trains with the adults and assists with the teen class.

Sempai Lia - Shodan (1st Dan)

Now in her mid-teens, it is evident when you see Sempai Lia’s technique, that she has put in more training time than any other student her age.  Sempai Lia works hard and is at the dojo training and assisting at least 5 classes each week.  She also has the distinction of being the first female student at West Island Karate to be awarded a black belt.  Her fluid technique has helped her win many first place trophies at competitions.

Sempai Kevin - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Kevin has been training since the age of 12 and has become a big brother to the younger children he now helps to teach.  Despite a heavy course load at school, he still finds the time to train at the dojo three times a week.

Sempai Alan - Shodan (1st Dan)
	Sempai Alan has been training consistently since the year 2000.  His understanding of Kyokushin history and terminology far surpass that of anyone his age.  Very quick on the floor, Sempai Alan has seemingly inexhaustible energy.  He is a great role model for the younger students whom he helps teach.

Sempai Jimmy Galanopoulos - Shodan (1st Dan)
	(Sempai Jimmy's bio is coming soon...) Meanwhile click here to read about Sempai Jimmy's performance at the 2004 World Championships.

Sempai Alex - 1st Kyu (Brown Belt / Black Bar)
	Sempai Alex has been assisting the children's class for the last year and is becoming extremely capable of handling a class on her own.  Her attention to detail makes her a very effective teacher.  She is able to keep the class focused while at the same time maintaining a fun atmosphere.