Renshi Janet Heffernan

B.Sc., PPCT, CSDI, WEBBS
4th Degree Black Belt (Karate)
CUFS Instructor

Renshi Janet Heffernan began her Martial Arts training in 1997 and currently holds her fourth degree black belt in Karate. Renshi Janet opened Stronger You dojo in 2004 and has never looked back.

She studies the modern evolution of Defendo with Sensei Terry Kingsbury. In 2009, she received her Assistant Instructor, Level 2 from Canadian Use of Force Systems. In 2010, Renshi Janet qualified as an instructor for Immediate Recall High Stress Combatives under Terry Kingsbury. She will play a leading role in The Canadian Modern Combato Society’s attempt to profile female operatives in Canadian history and to perpetuate modern training for Canadian women with this focus and mindset.

S. Janet studies Modern Arnis under Master of Tapi Tapi Gabriele Roloff with the help of Master Brian Johns. She also studies Sun Style Tai Chi with Master Su Zifang. Renshi Brian Lacroix certified Renshi Janet in Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT).

Renshi Janet is certified by the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation as a women’s self defense instructor.  She teaches self defense to girls and women in the community for Girl Guides, Scouts, various government departments, and in elementary and secondary schools across the region. Her programs encompass violence prevention training such as verbal assertiveness and de-escalation skills as well as 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, safety and friendship building skills.

S. Janet routinely adapts the Martial Arts program at Stronger You for children and adults with various disabilities. Many a parent has been relieved and delighted at the warm welcome and continuing progress that their differently-abled child sees at the dojo. S. Janet was nominated for a YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Healthy and Active Living (2007) and for the Greater Nepean Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year (2010 and 2011).

She continues to train every free moment in Karate, Immediate Recall High Stress Combatives and Modern Arnis.

Renshi Janet has 5 beautiful daughters who are the light of her life. Her very patient partner, Cathy, makes it all possible.