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Jim Doan, sensei

First began teaching karate in 1981 for the East Kootenay  Community College and self defence at Selkirk High School in   Kimberley, BC.

 Moving to Lethbridge, AB in 1983, Jim ran a successful karate school and taught first year Law Enforcement Defence at the Lethbridge Community College.

Working closely with sensei Chris Leong, the Shokaido style of karate was developed into its present form.

 Moving to Victoria in 1988, Jim developed an assault avoidance program for women called “Educated Defense”. He has presented seminars to more than 1200 women, and his clients have included the Office of the Premier (BC).

 Jim moved to Kamloops in 1995 with his wife, Laura,and in 1998 their daughter Sarah was born. Laura is a mother, a Black belt, holds a Masters Degree in Education and is an instructor at Thompson Rivers University. Sarah is currently a green belt at the academy.

 Jim is a dedicated teacher, a dynamic speaker, has a sixth degree Black belt in karate, and holds a post secondary diploma in Psychology and Social Work.

Richard Marken – Nidan

Promotion to Black belt (shodan): September 2007

Promotion to nidan (2nd degree): March 2010

First started training at the academy in September 2003

Richard arrived at the academy with an extensive martial arts background that included kick boxing, judo, taekwondo, and karate. His eclectic training and common sense approach makes him an outstanding mentor to those he works with.

He is the owner of  “Orange Gorilla Commercial Interiors”, is married and has two children.

His son, Damon, is a Brown Belt at the academy.

Richard is a gifted instructor, a highly respected member of the WKA, and fills the role of sensei when required.

Brad Wood-  Shodan

Promotion to Black belt - November 2008

 First started training at the academy in September 2003

Brad started his karate training late in life, but is no stranger to athletics, dedicating many years of his life to rugby, where he continues to coach.

He is the President of Interior Vault and co-owner of the J.Milton Group, is married and has three children. His oldest son, Connor is a Brown belt, and his youngest son Leith is a Green belt.

Brad has coaching in his blood, and is a well liked and highly capable instructor at the academy. He is also one of our most dedicated volunteers – if the academy is busy in the community, Brad is usually involved.

 Terrie Collins- Shodan

Promotion to Black belt: March  2011

First started training at the academy in  April 2005

Terrie is a strong supporter of the academy and a dedicated student. She has been married to Brown belt instructor, Brian for 16 years and has two teenage children. She began her training in Goshindo, took a decade off, and has now made karate a lifestyle.  She has a "Save that Child" first aid ticket, and her interests include golf, softball and camping. 

                                    Shawn Grooms- Shodan

Promotion to Black belt: June 2010

First started training at the academy in  April 2005

Shawn is a favorite amongst both the instructors and students. Known for his passion for exploring and understanding "all things karate", he is also an avid traveler of the globe. He is a husband and father of three and has an Industrial First Aid Certificate. After a short leave from the dojo, we are all very glad to have Shawn back with us.



Neal Perry

Brown Belt

Promotion date: June  2010

First started training at the academy in January 2007

Neal and his two children are actively involved with the school, and the community. Neal is respected by his peers for his hard work, patience and generosity.

An ideal blend of compassion and "no-nonsense", Neal enjoys pushing himself and the students to the limit.

Always quick to lend a hand, he is a valued member of our team. 

Brian Collins

Brown belt

(Black belt candidate)

On temporary leave due to work

Promotion date: June 2009

 First started training at the academy in  April 2005

Brian is a hard-working student who takes his karate training very seriously. He has been married to black belt, Terrie (instructor) for sixteen years and has two teenage children. He was a boxer in his youth, and now spends his time at the dojo, biking, snowboarding, golfing and fishing. To pay for all his activities, Brian works as a 1st year apprentice glazier at A.C.S.