I can honestly say the study of martial arts has changed my life. It has introduced me to amazing people, friends and team mates, and now as an instructor, what started as a hobby to help with my confidence has become an integral part of my life. I’m thrilled to be able to pass on some of that passion and love for the art to others who have embarked on their own journey. It is truly a privilege to be part of that for them, and I aspire to give to them what so many great instructors have given me, such as focus, discipline, respect, fitness and flexibility.
I began my martial arts journey in Fort McMurray at the Ni-Ten judo club at the age of thirteen. My interest had been sparked by friends with a collection of Bruce Lee VHS tapes and a co-worker of my dad suggested I try judo, where he happened to be an instructor. I trained in judo until leaving for university, where my training took a pause while I completed my degree at the University of Alberta in Mechanical Engineering.
Following graduation, I moved around a bit for work for about 4 years until finally returning to Fort McMurray, where I knew I’d be for a while and decided to resume training in a more serious way, though I decided to further develop my understanding of martial arts and began to study karate at Westwood Renshikan Karate-Do. I did this for twelve years, obtaining a second degree black belt. At that time, I moved again, this time to Sherwood Park. I again sought to round out my appreciation for martial arts by transitioning to studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ryan Timoffee at Arashi-Do Sherwood Park. I signed up for the trial class and was immediately hooked by the great people and excellent instruction and environment. I trained there for ten years, starting to instruct as a purple belt, before receiving my black belt there just at the time we moved to Calgary.
Having arrived in Calgary in 2022, I now train under Professors Mike Bonde and Jean-Phillipe Marotte at Arashi-Do Deerfoot North, and Professor JP and I share the instructional responsibilities at Arashi-Do Rutland Park.