WESTERN KARATE ACADEMY
Biographies
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.
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.
Jim is a dedicated teacher, a dynamic speaker, has a third degree Black belt in karate, and holds a post secondary diploma in Psychology and Social Work.
Richard Marken – Shodan
Promotion to Black belt: September 2007
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 background and common sense approach makes him an outstanding mentor to those he works with.
He is the owner of the successful “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, and a highly respected member of the academy, and often fills the role of sensei when required.
Allyson Hirtle - Shodan
Promotion to Black belt: December 2007
First started training at the academy in April 2001
Allyson has been at the academy since childhood and has the impressive record of having a perfect attendance at the academy from White belt to Black belt.
More than eight years of karate training has given Allyson a solid foundation, and she uses it to pass along wisdom to those she is teaching.
Allyson is an avid musician, works in Kamloops, has her Emergency First Aid for Industry certification,and has run the academy in the sensei’s absence on more than one occasion.
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.
Emile Scheffel - Shodan
Promotion date to Black belt: June 2007
First started training at the academy in September 2000
Emile is currently living in Ottawa while attending university, but makes occasional visits to the academy where he still continues to teach.
Only a child when he started, Emile soon impressed the sensei with his keen intellect and easy going personality. Emile has an extensive list of accomplishment, which includes winning the Law Foundation Cup Provincial Debating Tournament, bringing home the Parliamentarian trophy. Emile has a keen interest in politics, and we expect to see his list of accomplishments grow in the years to come.
Shawn Grooms
Brown belt
Promotion date: March 2009
First started training at the academy in April 2005
Shawn began his martial arts training at the academy and found it to be a perfect fit.
Shawn is our resident karate scholar, human reference library and is a dedicated and tireless student who is currently pursuing his Black belt.
He is married and has three children, Matthew, Morgan and Allie, who are all members of the academy.
As well as being a skilled craftsman by profession, he also a certified Industrial First Aid Attendant.
Ken Wilman
Brown belt
Promotion date: January 2009
First started training at the academy in October 2005
Ken's martial arts journey began at the academy. An "all or nothing" student, it was not unusual for Ken to take seven or more classes a week.
He is a “high-octane” student who, in middle age, has more energy than most teenagers.
Ken is a local tradesman, and loves “hanging out” with his two sons.
Ken is a passionate karateka, hot in pursuit of the Black belt, is a great role model, and is always willing to lend a hand where needed.
