our instructors

Brad Gillespie

5TH DAN
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

Shihan Brad has been training Kyokushin Karate for over 30 years, and is an experienced tournament competitor, as well as past Canadian Fighting and Kata Champion. He has trained and instructed all over the world and has been mentored by many of the top instructors in Kyokushin. At home, he enjoys a lively household with his wife and three boys.

Richard Barkman

2nd Dan
​Instructor

Richard started Karate in 1997. He has competed at the national level in both Kumite and Kata and is an IKOK-C certified official. He is the owner of a local company.

Michelle Gillespie

1st dan
​instructor

Michelle has been training since 1996, where she trained under Sensei Herb Milton, until she moved to Calgary with her husband Brad in 1999. She juggles karate with her three children and career at the University of Calgary. She is an IKOK-C certified official and has had extensive experience planning  tournaments and events.

Jordan Forget

1st dan
​instructor 

Jordan began training when he was 5 years old. He has competed and placed in many local, national and international events including the illustrious World Tournament (held in Japan every 4 years).

Lisa Forget

1st dan
​instructor

Lisa began her Kyokushin career as a karate-mom, but soon after joining, she was hooked and has since become one of our most dedicated and reliable instructors. Lisa has been instrumental in organizing many club events. She is an IKOK-C certified official.

Denis Forget

1st dan
Instructor

Denis began his martial arts in a different style and then joined Kyokushin in 2000. He has competed in many tournaments and is a registered official with the IKOK-C. He is an officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

Doug Potter

1st Dan
​Instructor

Doug began his karate career in 2001 when he walked into the dojo with his two sons. Doug has participated in many tournaments both as a competitor and coach. The passion he has for the martial arts and Japanese culture is clearly evident in his training. Doug is an IKOK-C certified official and the manager of a large body shop in Calgary.

Adrian DiPaola

1st Dan
​Instructor

Adrian has been training Kyokushin since 2003. He has a history of being a successful competitor and was the European archery champion before he came to Canada. Adrian is an IKOK-C certified official.

Isabelle Godin

1st Kyu
Assistant Instructor
(Burlington, ontario)

Stephen Antonchuk

2nd Kyu
​assistant instructor

Raj Sundaram

2nd Kyu
​Assistant Instructor

Colleen Geary Joo

3rd KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Rudy Habedus

3rd Kyu
​Assistant Instructor

Kim Mouwen

3RD KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Richard Gibson

3rd kyu
​assistant instructor

Tracy Hrycak

4TH KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Robin Meckelborg

4TH KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Gary Swift

4th KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Max Gillespie

3rd KYU
Junior INSTRUCTOR

Rowan Gibson

3RD KYU
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR

Spencer Gillespie

3RD KYU
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR