Sensei Eric is head instructor of Ajax-Pickering Wado-Kai Karate. He began his martial arts training in judo as a youngster, then switched to karate in his home town of Edmonton at age 15, studying Kempo and earning his blue belt. With the birth of his youngest daughter in 1989, Eric decided to return to karate, joining Manulife Wado-Kai Karate. He was awarded his fifth-degree black belt (5th Dan) in 2011 by Sensei Manara.
Sensei Julie is the heart and soul of Ajax-Pickering Wado-Kai Karate. She rarely misses classes and is always willing to help any student willing to learn. Julie was the late starter of the family; she decided to join karate after Eric had earned his black belt and their two children decided to take up the sport. However, she has been extremely successful, earning her second-degree black belt (2nd Dan) in 2008.
Sensei Kevin began taking karate to kill the waiting time after his eldest son joined the class. He watched for a few classes, but soon felt like joining in.
He enjoys karate for a number of reasons. Not only does he enjoy the physical workout, but the mental aspect as well. Of course, karate also allows him to strengthen his relationships with his sons. They can practice together and share in each other's success and progress.
Sensei Armin enjoys karate as a sport. He originally studied Shotokan karate as a teenager in Indonesia, earning his brown belt. He stopped training for many years before joining Ajax-Pickering Wado-Kai in 2004 with his daughter, Stephanie (currently a shodan-ho).
He enjoys attending class because the physical workouts help build endurance. He believes it is also important to learn techniques of self-defense.