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All
of our instructors are professionals who have been developed to offer the
highest quality instruction. Every member of our instructor team is
approachable, caring, and possesses a true love for teaching martial
arts. After taking just a few classes, you will see why Stronger You is
Nepean’s choice for martial arts.
Our head instructors have been select based on their personal
excellence and their commitment to our school. Head instructors have been
awarded a black gi. We also have a group of associate
instructors. Our Instructor Emeriti page list some instructors who are not currently
active teaching at our school. Allow me to introduce you to our current
head instructor team...…
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 Janet
Heffernan began her Martial Arts in 1997 at Douvris Martial Arts
(Barrhaven) which later became Greco Martial Arts. She achieved her
Black Belt in Karate in May 2000, her Nidan in June 2002 and her Sandan
in May 2004. Janet was promoted to head instructor by S. Tony Greco in
June of 2002, and achieved certificates in Grappling that same year.
S. Janet has also studied the modern evolution of Defendo as well as
ground fighting with Sensei Terry Kingsbury. In 2009, she received her
Level 2 from Canadian Use of Force Systems as well as her Assistant
Instructor Certificate (the first one awarded in 40 years).
Sensei Janet was certified in Pressure Point Control Tactics by Renshi
Brian Lacroix of Therien Jujitsu. She is currently studying Modern Arnis
under Master Gabriele Roloff of Germany.
She also studies Sun Style Tai Chi with Master Su Zifang.
Janet helped coordinate the 2006 National Women's Martial Arts Federation Self Defense Instructors
Conference in Chicago, Illinois for 60 Self Defense Instructors from 7
countries.
Sensei Janet teaches Self Defense courses to girls and women in the
community for Girl Guides, Sea Scouts, various government departments
and in elementary and secondary schools across the region. Her programs
encompass both violence prevention training such as verbal
assertiveness and de-escalation skills and physical self defense skills
practical for women of all ages, sizes and abilities.
S. Janet has developed a bully proofing and friendship making program
for high functioning children with Autism (including Asperger's
Syndrome, PDD, ADD, ADHD and Autism) and has consulted for the Ottawa
Children's Treatment Centre, Autism Ontario, Autism Ottawa, Main Street
Community Services and Camp Leo on Autism programming with respect to
self defense and safety as well as friendship building skills. The
program is called "Jinzai", Japanese for "capable person".
Janet also works with survivors of violence and women at risk at St.
Joe's Women's Centre in downtown Ottawa and works with high risk youth
in various high schools and centres around the city.
There are currently upwards of 275 students at Stronger You including
50 training Black Belts. S. Janet is routinely adapting the Martial
Arts program at SY for children with various disabilities.
Many a parent has been relieved and delighted at the warm welcome and
continuing progress that their differently abled child receives at the
dojo.
In 2007, S. Janet was nominated for a YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award
for Healthy and Active Living. She achieved her Yondan (4th Degree Black
Belt) from the Eastern Ontario Independent Karate Organization grading
board in May of that year. She just finished an expansion of the physical
space of the school and is looking forward to watching all of the students
grow and develop this year!
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 Sensei Denise is the co-owner of Stronger You and does her best to keep Sensei Janet sane.
She received her Black Belt in May 2009 and trains in Canadian Use Of Force
Systems/Defendo
whenever she gets the chance. She especially likes to practice on her wonderful
hubby, Rick. Denise is certified as a Wushu coach and was certified in Pressure
Point Control Tactics by Renshi Brian Lacroix of Therien Jiu Jitsu.
S. Denise is a passionate advocate of all of those who are differently abled.
She teaches the Special Small Samurai program and assists in all of our programs
for kids and adults with physical and developmental disabilities both here at
the dojo and out in the community.
S. Denise is the one who keeps the dojo on the rails and minds all of the paper
work and everyday nuts and bolts of the business.
S. Denise's true passion is her family with her dojo family coming a close second.
In the rare moments each week she is not at the dojo, S. Denise can be found playing
ball hockey with her kids or on her bike!
“I really, really love karate and our school; the best part of it is we are helping
people to defend themselves from all types of hurt… emotional and physical and
helping them to get past it and live a fulfilled life. I love our Stronger You
special culture, the kindness and dedication of our students, the friendships I
have made and the students who inspire me each and every day.”
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 Sensei
Carley Poulin started Karate at age 8 and achieved her junior Black
Belt in 2000 at age 12, her full Black Belt in 2002, her 2nd degree in
2004 and her 3rd degree Black Belt in 2007.
Sensei
Carley was certified in Pressure Point Control Tactics by Renshi Brian
Lacroix of Therien Jiu Jitsu. She is also qualified in Bo
Staff
and has trained in Sai. She is a member of the National
Women’s
Martial Arts Federation and W.E.B.B.S. She is the coordinator
of
the Kakudan Kickers program and also assists S. Janet in instructing
Women’s Self Defense Programs and Kick-boxing classes in the high
schools.
Sensei Carley is a champion fighter and the
current reigning Stronger You in house Woman’s Top Fighter.
Sensei Carley is pint sized and the children love her and she loves
teaching them! She is studying Nursing at the University of
Ottawa (on the honour roll of course). She is a pocket Chuck
Norris (travel sized for your convenience).
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Sensei Cheryl is a 2nd degree Black Belt and has trained with the
National Team. She is a single mom of two awesome teenagers and teaches
the Senior Childrens Class here at Stronger You. She is also certified
as a Wushu Coach. Sensei Cheryl has been training since 2001 and started
Martial Arts after getting her son, Tyler involved. Once she started,
there was no stopping her! S. Cheryl studies Karate and Self Defense.
“The study of Martial Arts is a journey that will span my entire life.
I know that I still have so much to learn and I am honoured to be both
an instructor and a student at Stronger You.”
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 Sensei Cole is a 2nd degree Black Belt and coach of the Stronger You Demonstration Team.
He has been training since 2001 and received his 1st degree Black Belt in 2004 and his
2nd in 2006. He is also certified as a Wushu Coach. He is a passionate Martial Artist
and teacher and a great role model for our younger students. S. Cole is studying at
Carleton University.
Cole looks like a rock star for a good reason, he is an avid guitarist!
Cole teaches sparring to our children’s classes and teaches Wushu as well.
“One of the highlights of my Martial Arts career so far was earning my Black Gi,
what an honour.”
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 Sensei
David received his 3rd Degree Black Belt in 2009 in front of the Eastern Ontario Independent
Karate Organization grading board. He began his training in 1994, achieved his Shodan in 1999
and his second degree in 2006. Although his other passions, baseball and triathlon, sometimes
steal him away for a bit, he always returns to his Karate. David is a graduate of Carleton
University and works for the Federal Government. He loves competing and helps coordinate the
Stronger You Tournament team and our Annual In-House Tournament. Sensei David teaches adults and
children alike and LOVES sparring!
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 Sensei
Ed is our in-house doctor which means he can explain all of the little ins and outs of why the
different strikes in Karate will stop you in your tracks. A fourth degree black belt and
creator of our training kata, "kihon kata", Sensei Ed is our applications specialist. He works
with both the adults and the senior children, especially the Junior Black Belts.
Sensei Ed began his Karate training in 1993 and received his Yondan (4th black belt) in
December of 2006. Sensei Ed enjoys teaching and values his friendships through Karate.
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 Sensei Estelle
started in martial arts when, after spending night after night at the dojo watching her kids train,
she decided that this was something she could do too. Nine years later (taking a break for about four years),
she received her nidan from S. Janet Heffernan in 2009. Receiving her nidan was a very special moment for her.
Apart the physical challenge that martial arts have provided, S. Estelle enjoys the mental training,
confidence and focus it has given her.
Aside from martial arts, one of her life goals is to fill her passport with as many entry
stamps as she can. She has had an opportunity to travel through Europe and U.K., throughout the States
and Hawaii, and, most recently, was part of a team that successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanajaro.
Her next goal - Everest base camp.
S. Estelle's passion for travel is matched by a passion for photography. She loves shooting pictures
of her travels, animals, and sports, and was very proud to be part of the Sammy Stick self-defense
project headed by S. Terry and S. Sally.
S. Estelle loves working with the kids, and watching them grow in confidence each time they
successfully reach a new level. She loves to work with her fellow senseis, and she learns
something new in each class, workshop and conference that she attends. And she loves giving
that information to our students.
S. Estelle recently began training in modern arnis under the tutelage of S. Janet and
Guro Brian Johns. And she is now training towards her sandan in 2012.
When not training in the dojo or on a plane, S. Estelle spends time with her dogs, or,
during the winter, on the slopes.
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 Sensei
Jeff Nidd began his martial arts training in February of 1998 when he still had
a mullet. He received his Shodan in 2001, his Nidan 2004 and his Sandan in
2006. He lost his mullet in 1999. Sensei Jeff has a background in both Tae
Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He certified in Pressure Point Control Tactics
with Professor Georges Sylvain and this year received both his Level 1 in
Canadian Use of Force Systems through Sensei Terry Kingsbury and his Close
Quarters Protection Detail Certificate. I would happily have him as my body
guard. Sensei Jeff is a gifted and compassionate teacher; affirming his
students while always asking the most of them. He is also a rocking guitarist
and and avid cyclist. Sensei Jeff began training at Stronger You in the summer
of 2008 and we are so happy to have him. .
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 Sensei
Lynn started training in Karate in 1986 and was the first woman in her
dojo. It took a few months before her teachers and fellow
students took her seriously and realized she wasn’t going to
quit. She received her 3rd degree black belt in
2006.
Sensei Lynn has a unique talent for making the adults play as much as
the kids. Sensei Lynn teaches adults and children.
She is
our social coordinator planning parties and get togethers for the adult
students and parents throughout the year. Sensei Lynn loves
Ireland and Irish culture, doing traditional Irish dance and recently
she has taken up the tin whistle. She is married to our dojo
handyman, Gord and they have two great kids.
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 Don’t
let that innocent look fool you. Sensei Maria is a true leader for the children’s programs.
She earned her junior black belt in 2005 and moved in to the dojo shortly after that.
Sensei Maria is always helpful, always smiling and sets an example in both her training
and her teaching. She helps every week with the Special Small Samurai program, trains
in Karate, Bo and Wushu. She received her full belt in May 2009. This year, the
United Way awarded Maria a Community Builder Award for her amazing work for the SnowSuit Fund.
Maria also plays hockey, drums and piano to keep her busy in the few hours a week she is not here!
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 In her own words…
Sensei Rachael started training at age 7 when her grandmother took pity
on her and bought her Karate lessons behind her evil mother’s (aka
Sensei Janet’s) back. She was hooked immediately.
Her early
memories of training consist of itchy carpeting and young men putting
their heads through the ceiling. Sensei Rachael trained in
the
kids program until 6 months before her black belt grading when she and
her three training partners were forcefully inserted into the adult
program. Although she was there against her will, Sensei
Rachael
trained hard in order to learn the self defense program from scratch
and master her Katas. Shortly after, she found herself
hurtling
towards certain death down a very steep hill. Although she
narrowly survived, her leg was snapped in half and she had to put off
training except for on Saturday morning classes. Sensei
Rachael
received her black gi in 2005 and earned her 2nd degree black belt in
2006. She has attended two National Women's Martial Arts Federation special training camps and
thrives in the environment of women’s empowerment because of the divine
mixture of ruthless physicality and deep breathing for inner
peace. She continues to strive for excellence and
understanding
by training hard and learning at every opportunity.
Sensei Rachael teaches white and yellow belt children and purple to
black belt children.
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 Training
in martial arts since 1998, Sensei Sally currently holds a third degree black belt (2007) in karate.
She has studied Filipino stick fighting and TACT (Tactical Advantage Combat Training) under Sifu Dino Urbani.
She now trains in Modern Arnis under Sensei Janet and Guru Brian Johns. She has Instructor Levels in Ground
Defense, Sammy Stick Self Protection Systems and Canadian Use of Force Systems’ Evolution of Defendo Level I,
all under Terry Kingsbury. In addition to her karate training, S. Sally is working toward her Level III in
Defendo and her Self Defense Instructor certification with the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation.
As well as being a lead mentor here at Stronger You, Sensei Sally has recently completed the task of PM
for the Sammy Stick Self Protection Manual and website, and will soon start instruction with this unique
instrument.
Sensei Sally came to Stronger You as a black gi instructor when the school first opened in 2004.
She teaches all levels of belts in the adult program in karate and self defense. Sensei Sally
(“The Sallinator”) won’t rest until everyone in the dojo has abs of steel. Sensei Sally's contagious
positive attitude truly demonstrates to her students her passion to continually expand upon her very
impressive skills, and to pass that knowledge on to her students. What she can't teach to you, she
will not be shy about applying on you.
Her other passion is cycling and she puts more kilometers on her bike in a summer than most
people put on their cars! By day, Sensei Sally works for the Digital Office at Library and Archives
Canada, and is an avid reader, artist and tree hugger.
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 Way
back in 1969, there was Woodstock, Apollo 11 and Led Zepplin’s first
album and Sensei Terry started training in the Martial Arts.
Since those carefree and heady days, he has earned belts in Judo, Jiu
Jitsu and Karate as well as sashes in Wing Chun under the instruction
of Gilles Champagne, Maurice Kingsbury and Jake Stafford. He is
the creator
of
the Stronger You self defense program and combines his passion for
fitness with his passion for people to keep everyone here on their
toes. Around
here, Sensei Terry puts every one through their paces and makes sure
they are safer when they are out and about.
Sensei
Terry has trained in Canada’s own Martial Art “Combato-Defendo” hand to
hand combat as well as pocket stick and ground defense. Canadian
Use of Force Systems - a professional use of force and defensive
tactics organization founded by Robbie Cressman - has certified Sensei
Terry in all their core programs and in 2008 he was appointed their
Chief Instructor for the Ottawa area. Stronger You Martial Arts
is the sole Ottawa location to host Canadian Use of Force training in
Defendo.
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 Sensei
Tim is our world traveler. A fourth degree Black Belt in
Karate,
Sensei Tim has travelled extensively to Japan and China researching his
Martial Arts. Tim is also our weapons guy and trains in
nunchuk,
kama, sai and kali sticks. He created the Stronger You sai
training program. Sensei Tim also studied small circle
jiujitsu
with Wally Jay. He is another of our crazy fitness nuts,
biking
and running an average of 100km each week. By day, a
chartered
accountant with his own consulting business, by night, a Stronger You
not-so-teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
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