our instructors

Brad Gillespie

5TH DAN
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

Shihan Brad has been training Kyokushin Karate for over 30 years, and is an experienced international 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. He is an officer with the Calgary Fire Department and 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. She works for the University of Calgary. She is an IKOK-C certified official and has had extensive experience planning  tournaments and events.

Denis Forget

1st dan
Instructor

Denis  joined Kyokushin in 2000. He has competed in many tournaments and is a registered official with the IKOK-C. He is a chief officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

Alissa 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. Alissa has been instrumental in organizing many club events. She is an IKOK-C certified official.

Doug Potter

1st Dan
​Instructor

Doug began his karate career in 2001 when he walked into the dojo with his children. 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.

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 DAN
Instructor
(Burlington, ontario)
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Raj Sundaram

1ST Kyu
​Assistant Instructor
IKOK-C certified OFFICIAL

Max Gillespie

1ST KYU
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
​IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Stephen Antonchuk

1ST Kyu
​assistant instructor
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Colleen Geary Joo

2ND KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Kim Mouwen

2ND KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Rowan Gibson

2ND KYU
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
IKOK-C Certified OFficial

Craig Meckelborg

2ND KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Richard Gibson

2ND kyu
​assistant instructor
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

George DiPaola

2ND KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Rudy Habedus

3rd Kyu
​Assistant Instructor
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Gary Swift

4th KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Tracy Hrycak

4TH KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
IKOK-C CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

Spencer Gillespie

2ND KYU
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR

Tyler Mckelborg

4TH KYU
​JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR

Hannah Popko

6TH KYU
​ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR