Senior Instructors

Hanshi Cezar Borkowski
10th Dan Karate – Kobudo / Canada
With over 55 years of martial arts experience, Hanshi Cezar Borkowski is a master instructor, accomplished author, and a trailblazer in the martial arts business. As the founder of Northern Karate, established in 1972, he built one of the most respected martial arts organizations worldwide, serving more than 9,000 loyal students.
Hanshi Borkowski has traveled to Asia over 40 times, seeking firsthand knowledge and mastery of various martial arts disciplines. A former six-time Canadian Champion and internationally ranked competitor, he holds senior ranks in Chito-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu Karate, and multiple Kobudo systems.
He is a prolific author, co-authoring the best-selling The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Martial Arts and contributing to numerous publications. His video credits include comprehensive instructional series such as The Northern Karate System.
Recognized globally, Hanshi Borkowski is a mentor to martial artists worldwide and proudly achieved the rank of Judan (10th Dan) in 2012, bestowed by Tetsuhiro Hokama and the International Karate-do Organization—an honor few outside Japan have earned.
For inquiries: [email protected]

Jean-Yves "Iceman" Thériault
23-Time World Kickboxing Champion / Canada
Nicknamed "The Iceman" for his steely gaze and unshakable calm, Jean-Yves Thériault is a living legend in kickboxing. Born in Paquetville, New Brunswick, he began his martial arts journey in 1972, achieving rapid success under the guidance of Hanshi John Therien.
Thériault claimed his first world title in 1980, holding the PKA Middleweight World Championship for a record-breaking 15 years. With 23 world titles across ISKA, PKC, and PKA associations, his career is punctuated by legendary bouts against the likes of Ernesto Hoost and Don "The Dragon" Wilson.
Beyond the ring, Thériault has become a dedicated promoter, helping young fighters through the "Iceman Amateur Kickboxing Circuit." A philanthropist and author, he supports charities such as the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Since retiring in 1995, he continues to inspire as a trainer and mentor at Therien Ju-Jitsu & Kickboxing Schools, embodying the spirit of a champion.

Master Darrell Henegan
15-Time World Kickboxing Champion / 8th Dan Taekwondo / USA & Canada
With a career spanning over four decades, Master Darrell Henegan exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and excellence. From earning his black belt in 1978 to becoming the first African North American to defeat Korea in a Gold Medal match at the World Games One Championship in 1981, his journey is one of historic triumphs.
Master Henegan’s kickboxing career boasts an impressive 25-2 record, earning him two World Championship titles. He has competed and excelled in global arenas, blending skill, dignity, and respect.
A recipient of numerous awards, including the Joe Lewis Eternal Warrior Award, he remains a role model for aspiring martial artists. Henegan’s commitment to teaching and mentoring ensures that his legacy continues to inspire the next generation.
For inquiries: [email protected]

Punong Guro Johan Skålberg
Kali Sikaran Head Instructor / Sweden
A pioneer in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Punong Guro Johan Skålberg has spent over 50 years mastering and promoting the art of Kali Sikaran globally. As the founder of Kali Sikaran International (KSI), he has revolutionized stick fighting with innovations like Suntukan Stick Fighting, a competitive and realistic training method.
With championship victories in European and World Stickfighting competitions, Skålberg is also certified in various martial arts, including Kombatan Arnis (8th Dan) and Modern Arnis (4th Dan).
His influence extends across continents, leading international organizations and mentoring martial artists worldwide. Punong Guro Johan Skålberg is a name synonymous with excellence in FMA.
For inquiries: Facebook Profile

Sensei Matt Dorsey
9th Dan Isshin-Ryu Karate / USA
Sensei Matt Dorsey has dedicated over 40 years to martial arts, earning an 8th Dan in Isshin-Ryu Karate and a 2nd Dan in Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido. As the owner of three thriving dojos in Rochester, NY, he oversees over 500 students while promoting Isshin-Ryu internationally.
A key figure in the World Kobudo Federation, Sensei Dorsey has organized global conventions and mentored countless martial artists. His commitment to teaching and collaboration reflects his passion for preserving and expanding martial arts traditions.
For inquiries: [email protected]

Master Michael Kossivakis
6th Dan Karate / Greece
With over 44 years of martial arts experience, Master Michael Kossivakis is a trailblazer in Full-Contact Kickboxing and Filipino Martial Arts. A decorated instructor and Special Forces veteran, he has conducted over 2,000 FMA seminars across the globe.
As the director of FMA Greece, he manages 11 schools and numerous training centers, ensuring the growth of Filipino Martial Arts in Europe and beyond.
For inquiries: [email protected]

Kyoshi Rune Henrichen
Norway
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas nec elit erat. Curabitur varius mi ut ipsum condimentum ultrices. Morbi sit amet tristique lectus. Aliquam vitae nunc at magna convallis venenatis. Duis et volutpat erat, non maximus nibh. Proin laoreet eleifend scelerisque.
Vivamus tempor sem est, luctus egestas ipsum sollicitudin a. Donec fringilla ligula odio, sit amet faucibus ipsum rutrum tempor. Mauris id facilisis urna. Donec egestas dui ut sollicitudin feugiat. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Nunc hendrerit nibh ligula, vel finibus justo posuere vitae. Suspendisse in lacinia turpis. Donec volutpat eleifend ante, nec facilisis nisi cursus sed. Sed eget tristique lacus.

Kyoshi Cos Vona
Canada
Kyoshi Vona began kicking and punching in 1974 (maybe earlier…we haven’t seen a sonogram), and over the past forty plus years, has researched and practiced a multitude of martial arts. He has an 8th Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation and All Okinawan Karate Do Federation, Japan. He’s also very into different styles of karate (Japanese lesson: “empty hand”), kobudo (Japanese lesson: “weapons” or “ancient martial way”), and jiu-jitsu (although it took him some time, and painful research, to figure out that “Brazilian” was a term also used outside beauty salons). Additionally, like Vladimir Putin, he has an appreciation for judo (Japanese lesson: “soft/gentle way”). Taking the same full-contact approach he uses in creating the world’s-most-delicious-pasta-sauce, Kyoshi is famous for combining things on the mat – this makes him one of our most dynamic and popular Combat Veritas® (MMA) teachers. In addition to his impressive workload at the dojo (Japanese lesson “school”), he’s imbedded in the community teaching Bully Proof® and Reality Check® programs in local private and public schools.

Sensei Nick Suino
USA
Sensei Nick Suino is a widely recognized martial arts author, with over 60,000 copies of his books sold. His works include The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship, Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship, Arts of Strength, Arts of Serenity (later revised as Budo Mind and Body), and Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship.
As President and Managing Director of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association and a Michigan Regional Director for the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF-Americas), Suino Sensei has played a significant role in the martial arts community. He served as director of ITAMA Dojo in East Lansing, Michigan, from 1993 to 2003 before returning to Ann Arbor in 2006 to establish the Japanese Martial Arts Center. There, he offers training in jujutsu (jujitsu), judo, iaido (swordsmanship), and karate for children.
Recognized as "one of North America's foremost martial arts teachers," Suino Sensei is dedicated to mastering the deepest aspects of traditional Japanese martial arts and providing students with an authentic budo experience. He believes that the disciplined practice of Japanese martial arts can profoundly enhance people’s lives. Since 2009, he has also been consulting for businesses and individuals, applying the principles of martial arts mastery to improve effectiveness in various fields.

Hanshi Pascal Serei
Canada
Hanshi Pascal Serei embodies integrity, discretion, and unparalleled professionalism. His deep passion and lifelong dedication to the Martial Arts have shaped a distinguished career in personal protection and security development.
Since beginning his training in 1957, he has earned high-ranking Black Belts in 10 different martial arts styles. Over the past four decades, he has traveled the world, sharing his expertise with thousands of students.
In 2000, he founded Nintai Ryu Aiki Ju-Jitsu to provide a practical and effective self-defense system. Committed to continuous growth, he trains daily to refine his skills, enhance mental focus, and maintain peak physical condition.

Hanshi Jean Frenette
Canada
Hanshi Jean Frenette began his karate journey in 1973, training under Sensei Maxime Mazaltarim in his hometown of Boucherville until 1980. He later continued his study of karate-do with Hanshi Chuck Merriman, remaining under his guidance until Merriman’s passing in October 2021.
As a competitor, Frenette achieved remarkable success, winning the Canadian Championship 12 times and claiming the North American Championship three times. He also dominated the competition circuit across the United States and captured the WAKO World Championship in Munich, Germany, in 1987. His winning streak continued as he secured consecutive WAKO World Championship titles until 1991.
Beyond competition, he authored six books on stretching, kicking, kata, and bunkai, and starred in over 14 instructional videos translated into three languages and sold worldwide. Renowned for his exceptional kicking ability and flexibility, he has graced the covers of more than 40 martial arts magazines globally and has performed his signature musical forms in live shows across 25 countries.
His dedication to karate-do took him to Okinawa more than 25 times, where he studied under Eiichi Miyazato, the successor of Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi, in pursuit of the art’s true essence. Karate remains a way of life for Frenette, as he continues to teach at his dojo and conduct seminars worldwide.
In addition to his martial arts career, he has spent 40 years in the film and television industry as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, and action director. His impressive résumé includes work on over 180 films and more than 250 television episodes. In 2019, his contributions to the hit series Jack Ryan earned him nominations for both the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Emmys in Hollywood. He also won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Stunt Coordination for the feature film Blood Quantum.

Kyoshi Bernard Ladouceur
Canada
One of Hanshi John Therien's (founder) oldest students. He has been practicing martial arts since 1971, he is a 7th degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and a world-renowned instructor. Kyoshi Ladouceur is one of the leaders of the Black Belt Evaluation Committee of the Therien organization.
A police officer by profession since 1980, Kyoshi Ladouceur has been able to use his knowledge of martial arts in his profession on many occasions. He is an expert in control skills, pressure points (PPCT), defense against multiple weapons, and weapons handling. He is one of the most recognized police officers and instructors in the teaching of defensive tactics.

Kyoshi Norm Beauchamp
Canada
Kyoshi Norm Beauchamp is an 8th degree black belt in Therien Jiu-Jitsu, gold certified kickboxing instructor, blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a member of the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame. He first opened Therien Martial Arts & Fitness Centre in North Dundas in 1993 and remains the dojo’s chief instructor.
Kyoshi Norm’s martial arts career began in the 1970s under the instruction of John Therien. Since then, he has trained several high caliber black belts, competed in tournaments around the world (including
winning a world championship in Sport Jiu-Jitsu), and has earned a reputation as a world-class martial arts instructor.

Kyoshi Mehul Vora
India
Hanshi Mehul Vora has been dedicated to the practice of Japanese and Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do since 1981. He currently holds the esteemed rank of 8th Dan Hanshi in Koushikai Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.
Throughout his journey, he has had the privilege of training under some of the most revered masters in the martial arts world, including:
Hanshi Toyama Zenshu (10th Dan)
Soke Takumi Nishi (10th Dan)
Hanshi Toshimasa Nishi (9th Dan)
Shihan Kanaya Jinju (9th Dan)
Hanshi Percy Bahmani (8th Dan)
Hanshi Percy Bahmani, India's most senior karateka, serves as the acting President of Nihonden India. Hanshi Mehul Vora holds the distinguished position of Secretary General (SEC GEN) Asia for the prestigious Nihonden Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Koushikai Japan.

Kyoshi Roberto DeJuan
Spain
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas nec elit erat. Curabitur varius mi ut ipsum condimentum ultrices. Morbi sit amet tristique lectus. Aliquam vitae nunc at magna convallis venenatis. Duis et volutpat erat, non maximus nibh. Proin laoreet eleifend scelerisque.
Vivamus tempor sem est, luctus egestas ipsum sollicitudin a. Donec fringilla ligula odio, sit amet faucibus ipsum rutrum tempor. Mauris id facilisis urna. Donec egestas dui ut sollicitudin feugiat. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Nunc hendrerit nibh ligula, vel finibus justo posuere vitae. Suspendisse in lacinia turpis. Donec volutpat eleifend ante, nec facilisis nisi cursus sed. Sed eget tristique lacus.