INSTRUCTORS

Sensei Michael Ginn discovered his passion for Karate very young at the age of 3 and he has loved it ever since.  His martial arts training has spanned over 35 years and has exposed him to competitions both local and international, studying opportunities from dozens of Senseis and, more recently, training in other martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.

In 2009, Sensei Ginn branched out on his own and opened his own club, working in partnership with the Town of Newmarket to provide high-level karate instruction to the Newmarket area.  In 2016, he transitioned to a  karate style of his own design called Jitsu-Do Karate which is a modern take on a traditional martial art. This style of karate blends striking with wrestling and grappling forming a comprehensive style of self-defense that is applicable for students of all ages. He has been teaching karate and fitness classes for over 25 years and focuses on getting the most out of his students with a blend of high standards, lots of energy and a playful sense of humour!

Sempai van Kessel has been an avid student of Karate since joining a Jitsu-Do Family Karate class with his son in 2012 at the age of 34. It had always been a dream of his to pursue a martial art, and joining with his son was the perfect opportunity to carve out the time for it from an otherwise hectic family/work schedule.  

Over the years, James has acquired a broad perspective in the martial arts through events like Wing-Chun and Judo clinics organized through Jitsu-Do Karate, as well as some time spent learning Kendo (Japanese Sword martial arts) in University.  

Fast forward to today, and James has been formally assisting in the instruction of junior belt students (both children and adults) since earning his 1st Degree Black belt in the summer of 2018, and in 2022 earned the title of Junior Instructor (Jun-Shidoin). He continues to work towards his 2nd Degree Black belt.

Heather has been practicing karate at Jitsu-Do Karate since 2014. Heather always wanted to try karate, and after many attempts at other clubs, she found Jitsu-Do Karate and has made it her home.

Heather has been teaching the Preschool Karate, Kinder Karate and Karate Jr. for 6 years and really enjoys watching the progress that the little ones make.

Heather continues to teach as well as train towards her 1st Degree Black belt.