Black Gi Instructors

Sensei Eric Adamski was one of the first kids to start at Stronger You in 2004. He received his first degree black belt in 2008 and the second in 2010. Sensei Eric teaches the higher belt levels children’s classes and is always there to help, and always smiling. He is an outstanding martial artist and when he represents Stronger You he does so with beauty and passion.

Sensei Rob Brewer has been training in martial arts for several years in both Karate and Wushu. He received his black belt in Shotokan Karate in 2008 from Stronger You and his level one coaching certification in Wushu in 2007 from the United Wushu Association of Ontario. In 2009, Master Mai Tenglong promoted him to the rank of “certified instructor of Wushu”. Currently, Sensei Rob (also known as Wushu Rob) is the head instructor of Wushu at Stronger You.

Sensei Sally Datars. Training in martial arts since 1998, Sally currently holds a fourth degree black belt (2011) in karate.  She also trains in Modern Arnis under Sensei Janet and Master Brian Johns. S. Sally is Chief Instructor for Sammy Stick Self Protection Systems and Instructor for Canadian Use of Force Systems’ Immediate Recall under Terry Kingsbury.  S.Sally has taken the lead in the final testing and set up for the Civilian Immediate Recall course taught at Stronger You. A member of the Canadian Modern Combato Society (CMCS), S. Sally is also Society Research Team Leader. Most recently, S. Sally earned her certification as a Self Defense Instructor (2011) with the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF).

S. Sally is a lead mentor at Stronger You: In addition to developing the nutrition program, S. Sally is at top of her game when it comes to physical fitness: she sets the bar for both male and female students and instructors.  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.

Sensei Lynn Davidson started training in Karate in 1986 and was the first woman in her dojo. She received her third degree black belt in 2006. She has a unique talent for making the adults play as much as the kids and teaches both adults and children.

Sensei Mary Lou de Haan received her second degree black belt in 2008. She is our specialist in learning styles and teaches the beginning adults. Mary Lou is a world champion line dancer and coordinates our annual Christmas party.

Sensei Joey De Lorenzo. Sensei Joey is the strong silent type. A dedicated martial artist, he received his 3rd degree black belt in 2010 and made Stronger You proud. Currently studying Health and Fitness at Algonquin College, S. Joey is the in-house personal trainer for all Stronger You students, designing fitness programs and carrying them out to the max.  S. Joey teaches the senior children’s classes and helps out with camps and high school self-defense programs.

Sensei Rodney Gillard first started training in the Martial Arts in 1980 with Ju Jitsu and Aikido and achieved his black belt in Karate in 2008. S. Rod has also achieved his Level 2 Certificate in Traditional Defendo, is also certified in Close Quarters Protection and holds an Assistant Instructors Certificate in Immediate Recall. S. Rod also co-runs the Stronger You Adult Fitness Program.

Sensei Cheryl Hamilton is a second degree black belt and has trained with the National Team. She is also certified as a Wushu coach. She has been training since 2001 and studies Karate and Self Defense. Cheryl teaches the senior children’s class and skills development program.

Sensei Rachael Heffernan started training at the age of seven. Her early memories of training consist of itchy carpeting and young men putting their heads through the ceiling! In 2005 S. Rachael was given her black gi and in 2010 she earned her third degree black belt. S. Rachael is currently studying at Bishop’s University.

Sensei Jeff Nidd began his martial arts training in February of 1998 and achieved his third degree black belt in 2006. His background is in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and he received his level two in Canadian Use of Force Systems through S. Terry. as well as his Close Quarters Protection Detail Certificate. He is a gifted and compassionate teacher.

Sensei Carley Poulin began studying Karate at the age of eight and achieved her third degree black belt in 2007. She is certified in Pressure Point Control Tactics as well as qualified in Bo Staff and has trained in Sai. She is a champion fighter and the current reigning Stronger You in house Women’s Top Fighter. The children love her and she loves teaching them.

Sensei Tim Shaw is our world traveler, with his fourth degree black belt in Karate. He is our weapons master and trains in nunchuk, kama, sai and kali sticks. He created the Stronger You sai training program. He is an avid fitness nut, biking and running an average of 100km each week.

Sensei David Sullivan began training in 1994, and received his third degree black belt in 2009. Although his other passions, baseball and triathlon sometimes steal him away for a bit, he always returns to his Karate. He loves competing and helps coordinate the Stronger You annual in-house Tournament. Sensei David teaches adults and children alike and LOVES sparring!

Sensei Estelle Sullivan achieved her second degree black belt in 2009 and enjoys the mental training, confidence and focus that training in Karate gives her. She is also an avid traveler and her most notable recent achievement was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with her next goal – Everest base camp – soon to come. S. Estelle loves working with the children and has developed a top notch one on one program for our special little ones.

Sensei Mia Therens achieved her third degree black belt in 2010. She brings unbridled enthusiasm to all of her classes. She has been instrumental in developing the Special Needs programs at the dojo. She is currently studying at Concordia University.

Sensei Maria Therens is a true leader for the children’s programs. She received her first degree black belt in May of 2009. She is always helpful, always smiling and sets an example both in her training and her teaching. In 2009 the United Way awarded Maria a Community Builder Award for her amazing work for the SnowSuit Fund. Maria also plays hockey, and piano to keep her busy in the few hours a week she is not here!

Sensei Cole Walker has been training since 2001 and received his third degree black belt in 2010. 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. He teaches sparring to our children’s classes and teaches all levels of adults as well.

Sensei Justine Walker began her martial arts training in the summer of 2007. She came to Stronger You Martial Arts after the realization that her former career as a competitive dancer didn’t nearly fulfill her desire to kick butt and yell very loudly. Justine is an enthusiastic teacher and loves working with every student as Stronger You: from the Small Samurai to the adult class, and everything in between. Justine earned her black belt in 2010 and was presented with her black gi that same year.

Sensei Ed Whelan 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, Sensei Ed is our applications specialist. He works with both the adults and the senior children, especially the Junior Black Belts.