Our teaching team is dedicated to the traditional practice of Shotokan Karate, aligning their instruction with the Nikkō Shotokan Karate curriculum. Each instructor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, cultivated through years of disciplined training and personal commitment to the art.
Heather Sensei
“Strip away what doesn’t move you forward.”
Heather Sensei began her karate journey over 17 years ago, initially joining with her son after a lifetime of competitive sports. She has since competed and medalled at local, provincial, national, and international levels. Her true passion lies in breaking down and refining techniques to help her students improve, always encouraging growth through persistence. Heather Sensei loves watching her students gain confidence and embraces the learning process herself, reminding everyone that mistakes are part of the journey.
Dawn Senpai
“Remember the ‘martial’ in ‘martial art.’”
Dawn Sempai began her karate journey at 17 in Jamaica under the guidance of Sensei Woon-a-tai, motivated by a desire to defend herself. After a 23-year break to raise her family, she rediscovered her passion for karate when she found a dojo in Winnipeg linked to her original sensei. Since returning in 2010, Dawn Senpai has dedicated herself to training and teaching as part of the WTKO family under Heather Sensei. She finds joy in watching students experience the powerful blend of strength and elegance that martial arts offers.
Taralee Senpai
Taralee Senpai’s karate journey began when she enrolled her son in Young Tigers and was inspired by women her age practicing. With 13 years of experience, her highlight was placing 3rd in kumite at the IKD Worlds in Barbados. She loves Gyaku Zuki (reverse punch), especially when it lands perfectly in kumite. Passionate about empowering women, she believes karate builds confidence and strength in mind, body, and spirit. Outside the dojo, she travels as a flight attendant and enjoys gardening. Her advice: “Women of all shapes, sizes, fitness levels, and ages need karate in their lives!”
Jacquie Senpai
Jacquie Senpai began her karate journey in 2012 after watching her son in a seminar and realizing how much fun it looked. What started as an activity to share with her son quickly turned into a personal passion. Jacquie Senpai loves kata, especially exploring the applications of the techniques, and her favourite kata is Jutte. As an instructor, she enjoys the challenge of breaking down techniques to help students at every level grow in their practice. Outside the dojo, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cycling, and doing puzzles, always reminding beginners to enjoy the lifelong journey of karate.
Glenn Senpai
Glenn Senpai’s martial arts journey began at the age of 10 with kendō, followed by jūdō at 12. His jūdō sensei, who also taught Chitō ryū karate, introduced him to karate at 15 to round out his training. After many years and various martial arts disciplines, Glenn returned to Shotokan karate at 41 and later began training in Gōjū ryū at 51. He finds joy in witnessing the moment a student truly “gets it” during training. Outside the dojo, Glenn practices multiple martial arts and enjoys reading philosophy and science fiction. His advice to beginners: “Relax, and remember—if your sensei is pushing you, it means they see your potential.”
Callum – Junior Instructor
Callum has 11 years of experience and his passion for karate reignited when he began advancing to higher ranks and discovering new depths in his training. Callum’s karate highlights include competing in the Barbados World Tournament and his favourite kata is Kanku Sho. As an instructor, he loves seeing students have fun while pushing themselves to improve. Outside the dojo, Callum enjoys creating films for fun and relaxing at home. He motivates new students by sharing his own experiences, encouraging them to stay dedicated and strive for success.
Rocco – Junior Instructor
Rocco’s karate journey began six years ago, inspired by his close friend. Since then, he has participated in seminars and events across the province, with some of his most memorable experiences taking place at WTKO seminars that he has travelled to. His favourite kata, Gankaku, fueled his passion for learning and perfecting the art. As an instructor, he enjoys teaching eager students and watching their skills develop over time. Outside of the dojo, Rocco loves playing guitar and working out. He encourages beginners to stay patient, reminding them that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”—progress takes time, and every step forward is part of the journey.
Strip away what doesn’t move you forward
Nikkō Shotokan Karate 