The West Island Karate dojo (training hall) was founded by John Kalaidopoulos (4th Dan) in 1997.  Over the years, the club has grown steadily, encouraging a positive and friendly environment that allows students to develop to their full potential.

Sensei John Kalaidopoulos has been training in the martial arts, and in particular in Kyokushin Karate, for over 22 years.  He earned his Shodan (1st Dan) black belt from Paul Desmarais at Samurai Karate.  After honing his skills by training and assisting at various schools over the years, Sensei John opened his own dojo in 1997 in a section of a training gym called Wimgym.  Since that time, Sensei John has been associated with Shihan Roman Szyrajew and with the I.K.O. Matsushima (International Karate Organization KyokushinKaikan).

In October of 1999, after training hard and participating in many seminars, Sensei John was rewarded by the achievement of his Nidan (2nd Dan) black belt.  The belt and certificate were presented to him by Shihan Roman and by Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima, president of the International Karate Organization of Japan.

Membership increased steadily for the 3 years spent at Wimgym.  Seeing the increasing possibility of teaching karate as his profession, Sensei John quit his day job in January of 2002 to devote himself to teaching and training in karate full time.  Devoting all his time to karate paid off - the dojo grew and Sensei John was selected to represent Canada in international competition.  He was one of two lightweights to compete in the 7th Kyokushin Karate World Tournament held in Japan in November of 2000.  He also fought at the 1st World Cup held in Portland, Maine in June of 2002.  Upon returning from Maine, Sensei John decided to move the dojo to 550 Beaconsfield Boulevard.  The new, more spacious dojo had an excellent beginning with a doubling of membership within two months of its opening day.  In August of 2011, the dojo was once again moved to a new location to better meet the needs of its expanding membership.

Sensei John was graded to Yondan (4th Dan) by Shihan Roman Szyrajew on December 16, 2006.

Sensei is also certified by Ambulance Saint-Jean to render Emergency Level First Aid and CPR.

In November of 2009, Sensei completed the AGATSU Level 1 Kettlebell Training Course.

Click here if you would like to e-mail Sensei John.