Instructors
Shihan John Kalaidopoulos has been training in the martial arts, and in particular in Kyokushin Karate, for over 30 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, Shihan John opened his own dojo in 1997. In October of 1999, after training hard and participating in many seminars, Shihan John was rewarded by the achievement of his Nidan (2nd Dan) black belt from the International Karate Organization of Japan. Shihan 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 Shihan 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 and earned his Sandan (3rd Dan) that same year. Shihan John was graded to Yondan (4th Dan) on December 16, 2006. On July 4th, 2017, Shihan John participated in the yudansha shinsa (black belt grading) which followed the 6th World Karate Championship in Weight Categories in Astana, Kazakhstan, and earned his Godan (5th Dan). The grading was overseen by Kancho Kenji Midori and several other high level Shihans of WKO Shinkyokushinkai.
Sensei Alain began his training in the mid-80's, receiving his brown belt while in college. After both his children started training at West Island Karate, he decided that it was time to continue. He has been with the dojo since 2004 and instructs the teen class in addition to training in the adult class. Sensei Alain has tremendous spirit and is known for his great kicking ability. Sensei Alain earned his Nidan in May of 2010 and earned his Sandan under the Shinkyokushinkai organization in 2019.
Sensei Victor started training in the year 2000 and is an extremely strong karateka who is often seen still on the dojo floor working after class has ended. Assisting with the children and primarily with the teenagers, he is well liked by the students even though he puts them through very hard training. The windows are always fogged up by the time his classes are over. Sensei Victor earned his Nidan in May of 2010 and his Sandan under the Shinkyokushinkai organization in 2019.
Sempai Marla started training after seeing her boys train for a bit. Her boys did not continue on their martial arts journey however Sempai continues to train and mentor the kids with kata classes. She achieved Nidan status in 2023. She dedicates herself to supporting everyone with extra kata training classes. Marla always brings her dogi with her as she travels so she will not miss an opportunity to train, no matter the martial art or style.
