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Sensei Susan Karate | Self-Defence
Self-Regulation · Educator
Isshinryu Hall of Fame Inductee 2023
First Female in Canada

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: SENSEI MARLIESSensei Marlies has trained since she was 12-and she has always been formidable in kumite....
09/17/2026

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: SENSEI MARLIES

Sensei Marlies has trained since she was 12-and she has always been formidable in kumite. A strong tournament competitor from an early age, she stands her ground, strikes with purpose and stays composed under pressure.

Her favourite kata is Wansu, and karate has taught her how to pace herself and focus-especially when Sensei Susan’s “30 seconds left” becomes considerably longer. 😅

Marlies loves helping with classes and watching the kids have fun. Outside the dojo, she is a hairstylist, is studying to become a teacher, and enjoys camping and travelling.
Her word for Toshikai: Inclusive. 🖤🥋

Chondon Photography

🥋 Meet Sensei Jen Training since 2010. Strong in kumite. Quick with kata. And fully aware that “30 seconds left” runs on...
09/17/2026

🥋 Meet Sensei Jen

Training since 2010. Strong in kumite. Quick with kata. And fully aware that “30 seconds left” runs on Sensei Susan time-especially during planks, push-ups and fighting rounds. 😂

Jen is a French Immersion Kindergarten teacher who brings curiosity, encouragement and plenty of laughter to the dojo. Her favourite kata is Wansu, and she loves watching students learn while having fun.

Karate has taught her that there is always more to learn-and more to share. Some of her best memories were made during driveway training at Sensei Susan’s.

Outside the dojo, Jen enjoys reading, walking and time outdoors.

Her advice: Ask questions. Stay curious.

One word for Toshikai: Family. 🖤

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: LORENZOLorenzo has been training since he was five. Now he helps teach kumite (sparring)-and he’s alway...
09/16/2026

🥋 MEET THE TEAM: LORENZO

Lorenzo has been training since he was five. Now he helps teach kumite (sparring)-and he’s always ready to jump in for a round with the kids.

Karate has taught him discipline and patience, on and off the dojo floor. He’s also at university studying to become a teacher.

Outside the dojo: weightlifting, magic tricks, and his Nonna’s pasta. 💪🪄🍝

His advice to younger students?

“Always keep your hands up! And have fun, of course.”

Future teacher. Lifelong karateka. Magician.
Keep your hands up-you never know what’s coming. 🥋🪄

MEET THE TEAM | ADELLA🥋 Adella began karate at four. Today, she helps our youngest students build skills, confidence and...
09/14/2026

MEET THE TEAM | ADELLA🥋
Adella began karate at four. Today, she helps our youngest students build skills, confidence and courage.

As one of our co-regulators, Adella supports students in class and helps at community events like Chippewa Ninja Day.

Her favourite karate move? The uppercut-which is also Lilly’s favourite. Our co-regulators have clearly made their choice. 😂

Outside the dojo, Adella is a competitive dancer with Spirit of Dance and trains at the gym. Karate has shaped her discipline, patience and determination.

Her advice: “Keep practising, believe in yourself and be willing to make mistakes. That’s how you learn.”

Adella grew up in karate. Now she’s helping the next generation grow through it too. 🖤


Chondon Photography

🥋 Meet the Team: Sensei NolanEvery dojo needs a Nolan: steady, skilled and willing to go along with Sensei Susan’s ideas...
09/14/2026

🥋 Meet the Team: Sensei Nolan

Every dojo needs a Nolan: steady, skilled and willing to go along with Sensei Susan’s ideas-even when a karate demo unexpectedly includes playing chimes and a drum for the meditation.

A third-degree black belt with more than 18 years of training, Nolan is an excellent weapons practitioner and has been recognized by the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.

His favourite part of teaching is “seeing something finally click for students and watching them slowly recognize their own abilities.”

His favourite kata is Urashi-no-Kun Bo Kata. His standout memories include his black belt testing, a ten-minute kumite round and practising bunkai with Jen in Sensei Susan’s garage-while dodging tools and muscle cars.

Outside the dojo, Nolan enjoys photography and is completing his Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. 📷

His advice: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s when you learn the most.”

We appreciate Nolan’s skill, patience and willingness to join almost any adventure. 🥁

Chondon Photography

MEET THE TEAM: Lilly-co-regulator, obstacle-course wizard and a master at packing a car full of karate equipment. 🥋Lilly...
09/14/2026

MEET THE TEAM: Lilly-co-regulator, obstacle-course wizard and a master at packing a car full of karate equipment. 🥋

Lilly supports students one-to-one as they build focus, confidence and self-regulation. She also joins Sensei Susan for presentations in schools, after-school programs and at community events-all while studying Early Childhood Education.

Favourite karate move? The uppercut.
Her advice to younger students? “Go for it-you’re stronger than you think!”

Lilly can build an obstacle course in two minutes and fit more than 100 swords, multiple shields and a stack of focus pads into Sensei Susan’s car.

Lilly packs. Sensei Susan drives.

Her word for Toshikai? Exhilarating.
📷 Chondon Photography

Authentic Isshinryu Kumite with Shihan Norm Rivard from Windsor, ON 🔥 Real drills, real fighting-Okinawan roots, Warrior...
09/06/2026

Authentic Isshinryu Kumite with Shihan Norm Rivard from Windsor, ON 🔥
Real drills, real fighting-Okinawan roots, Warrior mindset 👊🥋
📍 Volunteer Pool Community Centre Dojo (180 Martha St, Thunder Bay)

Sat, Sept. 19th | 2:30–4:30 PM

Sun, Sept. 20th | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM

Don’t miss this chance to learn directly from a champion with an 88–7 competitive record!
Chondon Photography

Classes start this week-there’s still time to join us!
09/06/2026

Classes start this week-there’s still time to join us!

What does it feel like to hit with real power? 💥To feel the impact on the pads. Learn what to do when someone grabs you....
08/25/2026

What does it feel like to hit with real power? 💥

To feel the impact on the pads. Learn what to do when someone grabs you. Step into sparring. Find your balance, your timing, your focus.

And somewhere in the training, realize: I can do this.

🥋 Isshinryu Karate | Youth, Teens & Adults | Beginners welcome
Fall classes begin September 9.

Come experience it for yourself.


Chondon Photography

Address

Volunteer Pool Community Centre, 180 Martha Street
Thunder Bay, ON
P7A8C1

Telephone

+18074748886

Website

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