Copyright © Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame, 2006
2023 Inductees
Jean-Noël Blanchette:
Né à Québec en 1956, Jean-Noël BLANCHETTE est docteur en théologie et est titulaire d’un 9e dan, Hanshi en karaté-do.
Il débute le karaté, en 1970, à Notre-Dame-du-Bon Conseil, sous l’enseignement de M. Yvon Desruisseaux, un adepte de Kenpo. Mais, c’est à Drummondville, en 1973 que son aventure du karaté débuta sérieusement, sous l’enseignement de M. Gilles Rhéaume, instructeur de Chito-ryu associé à l’organisation du maître Masami Tsuruoka.
De 1973 à 1979, il participa à nombreux séminaires et ses performances en compétition sportive lui permirent d’accéder à la ceinture noire en 1976.
En 1980, il rejoint les rangs de l’Association japonaise de Chito-ryu, dirigé au Canada par le maître Shane Y. Higashi, Hanshi. Il est nommé directeur technique au Québec par son fondateur, le Dr Tsuyoshi Chitosé, Hanshi.
De 1980 à 2008, il fut très actif. Athlète de haut niveau et instructeur, Hanshi Blanchette occupa différentes fonctions. Ses responsabilités l’amenèrent à recevoir l’enseignement des plus grands maîtres du Chito-ryu, mais aussi à diriger de nombreux séminaires ou à assister les maîtres japonais. Par exemple, lors d’un séjour au Japon en 1984, il enseigna au dojo du Dr Chitosé et reçu, en privé, quelques jours avant son décès, les derniers enseignements de ce grand maître du karaté moderne, une marque de considération très rare envers un Occidental.
Sa passion pour les arts martiaux japonais le conduira à l’Université de Sherbrooke où il déposera, en 2003, une thèse doctorale en théologie, dont le sujet traite de la dimension spirituelle des arts martiaux japonais. À la suite de cette thèse, il fonde le Shinbu-ryu karaté-do, en 2008.
La même année, il devient membre de la prestigieuse Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai de Kyoto, dirigé au Canada par le maître Ken Tallack, Hanshi. Il est nommé coordonnateur pour le Québec, par le président de la DNBK, le maître Hiroyuki Tesshin Hamada, Hanshi.
De 2008 à 2021, il fera activement la promotion de la DNBK au Québec et participera à nombreux séminaires internationaux . En 2016, devant plus de 600 participants provenant de vingt et un pays, rassemblés à Kyoto pour un symposium international, Hanshi Blanchette reçu, devant les dignitaires politiques, les maîtres et en présences de Sa Majesté impériale, la princesse Akiko de Mikasa, un plaque commémorative pour son mérite, ses services et son leadership au sein de la DNBK. Il quittera honorablement la DNBK en 2021.
La contribution de Hanshi Blanchette se remarque aussi au niveau de ses publications, comme auteur ou tout simplement en tant que collaborateur. Au début des années 80, par exemple, il réalisa plus d’un millier de dessins qui se retrouvent dans les différents manuels techniques du style Chito-ryu, tant au Japon que dans le reste du monde.
Jean-Noël Blanchette est titulaire de plusieurs grade dans différent arts martiaux.
Vito Brancaccio:
Kyoshi Vito Brancaccio began his martial arts journey in the late 1970’s achieving the rank of black belt in 1983; eventually achieving the rank of 7th degree Black Belt awarded to him by Hanshi Cezar Borkowski.
After graduating in 1985 from George Brown College with a fitness and recreation diploma, Kyoshi Brancaccio has travelled and competed across Canada, the US and internationally, winning numerous tournaments in both karate and boxing.
In 1989, he represented team Canada, in the Netherlands winning gold in Karate. Two months later he opened Northern Karate Schools Mississauga in May 1989, relocating and opening All Canadian Martial Arts Academy four years later.
Also in the same year he was a finalist in what would be his final competition at the Southern New England golden gloves championship. It was at this time he focused his energy into coaching and developing future champions in Karate Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA and BJJ.
In the mid 90’s he began studying Combat Submission Wrestling under founder and former shoot wrestling champion Erik Paulson, Kali under Guru Dan Inosanto and BJJ with the legendary Machado brothers.
In 2008 Kyoshi Brancaccio became Canada’s first RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and today holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Jean Jacques Machado.
Vito Brancaccio, a level 3 NCCP boxing coach, trains the current professional Female BantamWeight Canadian Champion and future world title contender along with multiple UFC Veterans.
Kyoshi Vito continues to study, learn and impart his knowledge and love of Martial Arts and while developing champions year after year in all disciplines.
Conroy Copeland:
Conroy Copeland began his karate training around the age of 15 (old by today’s standards) after immigrating from Jamaica to Canada. He was training in a friend’s basement at the time and unfortunately it did not produce the results he wanted so he enrolled in classes at the local community centre with Sensei Larry Smee and Sensei Don Durham. He also joined the karate team at W.D. Lowe where he studied Goju Ryu and Isshinryu.
He has been taught and trained by some of the greatest martial arts instructors of our time, Sensei Richard Kim, Morio Higaonna, Professor Wally Jay, to name a few, accumulating a wealth of knowledge that he is now passing on to his students some of whom are running their own dojos and positively affecting lives. In 1975, Conroy met Sensei Don Warrener at a tournament in Hamilton and became his student shortly thereafter. He trained at DWMA until the early 1990s when he met Sensei Teruo Chinen who has been his teacher for the last 20 years.
Conroy has earned black belt ranks in both Goju Ryu Karate and Aikido Yoshinkan. He has also fought full contact and was a member of the Windsor Amateur Boxing Club.
As a competitor, Conroy has competed as a national team member worldwide for WKO, Karate Ontario, CKO, and on the open circuit. He is considered a fierce but honest competitor and has many championships to his name. Along with competing, he has also been both a head coach and assistant coach to many Canadian martial artists competitors over the years.
Among his many accolades and community contributions, Conroy has been teaching since 1978 and has successfully run Copeland’s Martial Arts since then. He has also been hosting the Windsor Open Karate Championships for over 20 years, which is one of the longest running karate tournaments in the region.
Ron Day: (posthumously)/(posthume)
Si Tai Gung Ron Day
Ron Day built a legacy of martial arts excellence from humble beginnings in London, Ontario to the largest dojo in Waterloo Region to renowned kickboxing promoter in Canada. His dedication to his students and his discipline made him a sought-after instructor and mentor. Today, fifteen years after his untimely death, he is still regarded as one of Canada’s leading martials arts figures.
Ron first attended classes at a Judo club that had a part-time Karate school affiliated with the Canadian Karate/Kung Fu Association. He travelled to Toronto frequently to train with Masters David and Tony Chong. He also trained with the Yip Brothers Kung Fu Academy in London and with Canadian Fire Dragons, headed by Grand Master Daniel Pai.
After earning his black belt in 1968, Ron opened his first club in Exeter, Ontario and quickly opened branches across Southwestern Ontario. Many students from those early days followed and trained with him throughout his life.
In 1975, seeking opportunities in a larger city, Ron moved his club and his growing family to Kitchener, Ontario where he established the Scarlet Dragon Society. Over the next forty years, Ron would continue to develop his craft and build a dedicated following of students, instructors and friends.
Among his many accomplishments, Ron was the first martial arts instructor to teach in high schools across Waterloo Region as part of physical education classes; he set a Canadian breaking record; trained youth, teen and adult sport Karate/Kung Fu champions in all levels of competition, traveling throughout North America; hosted open martial arts seminars with world-renowned instructors; and ran 31 annual open martial arts tournaments – Karate/Kung Fu Maynia – attracting competitors from across Canada and the United States.
Ron continually sought ways to expand opportunities for martial arts in Canada. In 1983, Ron began promoting kickboxing in Ontario.
Si Tai Gung Ron Day developed a family of martial artists that now boasts over 25 black belt instructors, three generations of martial artists and a global network of colleagues, supporters and friends. After a short illness, Ron died in 2008. His boisterous laugh, his big heart and his commitment to the martial arts remains today in all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Peggy, his children Tobi, Zack, Heather and Patti, his nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His legacy continues through his thousands of martial arts students and the club that continues to bear his name – Ron Day’s Kitchener Kicks.
Peter Gilpin:
Started at Lee Sukhi Tae Kwon-Do Institute in 1973 in Hamilton Ontario
Dabbled in Tae Kwon-Do tournaments attended 5-6 a year
Hit the open circuit in 1978 when he opened his own school
Increased his tournament attendance to 42 tournaments a year
Rated by Don Warrener’s magazine as #2 rated fighter in the country 1980
Took over number 1 spot in 1981
Canadian Karate Internationals 1st place 1981, 1982, 1983
Grand Champion Canadian Karate Internationals 1983, last year it was held
Finalist at the US Open Karate Tournament 1983
Karate Illustrated rated #1 fighter in Canada from 1981 until they stopped keeping track in late eighties
North American Karate and Kung Fu Grand Champion
Represented Canada on Tae Kwon-Do and Karate teams from 1980 until 1997
Fought in Madison Square Gardens on ESPN
and won every major title in Canada.
First World Title at WAKO world championships in Germany 1987
Burlington Post Athlete of the Year 1987
Canadian Legion of Honour 1987
Second World Title WAKO in Italy 1990, also a Silver Medal in continuous
Bronze medals at WAKO worlds in London England 1991 in point and continuous
3 rd World title in Sky Dome in 1992
5 medals at the Pan American Karate Games 1997 in Bermuda , Gold fighting individual weight division,Goldopen weight fighting, Gold team fighting, Silver forms, Bronze weapons
Coach of Team Canada for Tae Kwon-Do world championships, WAKO world championships, WKO world championships in Florida
Operated the largest Martial Arts School in Burlington from 1978 until 1998
Cees Keukens:
Background
Grand Master Cees Keukens has been a dedicated Martial Arts practitioner and trainer for over 52 years. Born in the Netherlands, he took interest in Taekwondo from an early age. In 1970, he began his training under Dutch Grand Master Louis Pardoel and Master Adrian Lottxxx; and soon after, in addition, under Master Nouvod Hurk and Harris Bottsr; both National Champions and exceptional Martial Artists and respectable role models. His mentor Grand Master Jan Willem Stoker had long recognized his potential. And in 1973, he succeeded in capturing the Dutch National Champion and Gxxx Open Champion titles.
After being picked to join the first European team to compete in the 1974 first ITF World Championship in Canada where he subsequently picked up 4 Silver medals, he was invited to further his training and collaborate with Korean Grand Master Park Jong Soo in Canada. And in May 1974, he made the move to Toronto and embarked on his remarkable journey of competing and coaching in a series of notable competitions and world championships in Canada, the U.S. and Europe with creditable achievements while founding and managing his own TKD Martial Arts club.
Achievements
After his Dutch National Championship and ITF world Championship success, then Master Cees continued to excel as a member of the undefeated Canadian team in seven meets throughout Europe in 1976. In 1978, he obtained the honor of being the Canadian National Exhibition Grand Champion. Later that year, he accomplished a dual feat at the World Championships in Oklahoma, U.S.A., winning 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze to gain the All Round World Champion title.
In 1984, nine of his students went on to achieve a collective 4 Gold, 1 Silver in the Open Dutch Championships and 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze in the South Netherlands Championships.
Honors and Recognitions
1978, 1980, 1983 and 1984 - Recipient of the Ontario Achievement Award
July 1988 - Promoted to 5th degree Black Belt by then 7th degree Black Belt Master Jan Willem Stoker of Rotterdam, Holland
1993 – Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of fame
Maxime Mazaltarim:
Né à Casablanca, Maroc in 1943, il a découvert les arts martiaux en 1955 par le karaté Shotokai avec Maitre Mitsusuke Harada (fondateur du Shotokai) et c'est en 1959 qu’il quitte son pays natale pour aller étudié a l’université de Strasbourg en France les mathématiques, la physique et le génie nucléaire.
C’est alors qu’il débutera la pratique du judo méthode Kawashi et jui-jitsu sous la direction technique de Sensei Panza.
Après ses études et voulant en connaître d’avantage sur les Budos, la médiation ainsi que le travail d’énergie interne, il quitta la France pour tout d’abord l’Inde pour y étudier le yoga, l’art de la respiration et de la méditation.
Par la suite étant toujours curieux ayant la soif d’apprendre il se rendit au Japon ou il y restera pendant plus de 2 années où il étudiera le Shito-Ryu avec maitre Chojiro Tani(fondateur du Shukokai) pour ainsi faire la rencontre de Maitre Yoshinao Nanbu (fondateur du Karaté Sankukai).
Il étudiera et fit un fidèle élève avec Maitre Nanbu pendant plus de 15 années; de plus Maitre Mazaltarim toujours au Japon, il étudiera le Iaido (Ken-Jitsu) du Katorishintoryu avec Maitre Noda Seizan.
De 1970 a 1977 il fut le bras droit de Maitre Nanbu et il voyagera à travers le monde a fin de donner des stage avec Maitre Nanbu.
Au Canada il ouvrira plusieurs dojo au Québec en plus de créer sa propre fédération,’’ La
Fédération Sankukai du Québec’’ regroupant plus d’une trentaines de dojo.
C’est suite a toutes ces années d’expériences et de pratique que Maitre Mazaltarim fonda sa propre méthode, le Seikido ‘’La voie de l’énergie circulaire’’; il écrira un ouvrage sur sa méthode ainsi que de multiple vidéos et émission s de télévision qui sera pratiquer à travers le monde et de plus adopter dans les cours d’éducation physique ainsi que d’éducation spécialisé.
L’art du SEIKIDO sera par la suite enseigner en Amérique du Nord , dans plusieurs pays d’Europe ainsi qu’en Israël, Maroc et pays d’Afrique.
Pierre Myre:
Soke Pierre Myre started his career on October 10th, 1966 with Sensei André Langelier in Ottawa. 1969 is the year in which he opened his first Dojo (Myre karaté Dojo) in the Outaouais region and in this same year, he received the prestigious 'athlete of the year' award. It goes without saying that you can't talk about Outaouais karate pioneers without mentioning Soke Myre's name.
Soke Myre created his own style in 1972 (Chito-Kan) and opened his second dojo. In 1978, his first student opened his own Chito-Kan school and the dojos have multiplied ever since.
The Chito-Kan style, founded by Mr. Myre, combines three houses: Shotokan / Chito-Ryu and Jeet-Kune-Do into one where traditionalism and rapid open hand techniques are practiced.
In the 70s, he was part of the Canadian Karate Association with Senseï Langelier et was also a member of the Quebec Karate Federation with his good friend Guy Valiquette. Then, in the 90s, he introduced the American Association of Martial Arts into Canada (A.F.M.A) for which he was the Canadian chapter president. It is in 2001 that Soke Myre founded the Canadian Martial Arts Federation (F.C.A.M).
Soke Myre had an illustrious competition career, winning multiple Grand Champ tournaments and his name was circulated not only across Canada, but internationally as well. Soke retired from competitions in 1981 with over 20 Grand Champ titles and over 250 trophies, medals and awards.
Soke Myre received his titles (Kyoshi, Shihan, Soke) from the American Federation of Martial Arts (A.F.M.A.). Note that Pierre Myre Soke was the first Canadian to obtain these 3 titles in Canada, He was also inducted into the American Black Dragon.
Soke Myre received his 7th dan on November 10th, 1989 and was endorsed by the Canadian Prime Minister (Brian Mulroney) under the recommendation of Depute Moore of the federal government of Canada. He received his Shihan title on Dec 15th 1990 and in 1995 he was named instructor of the year. It is in 2003 that Mr. Myre received his 9th dan and the title of Soke.
On October 30th 2018, Pierre Myre Soke was awarded his Judan (10th dan) by the World Budokan Martial Arts Federation.
Pierre Myre Soke was also inducted into the Sokeship Council of Florida (USA) in October 2018
Steve Ouslis:
Hanshi Ouslis has been fascinated by all martial arts for nearly 50 years, and holds a 9th Degree Black Belt from Seishinkan Karate Kobudo International, the World Kobudo Federation, and All Okinawan Karate-Do Federation, Japan.
He's one of a handful of students who were founding members of Northern Karate Schools (NKS) in the 1970s. Currently, he is a Director at the NKS Steeles Dojo and has been a martial arts instructor for over 40 years.
In addition to his martial arts, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UofT. Sensei Ouslis is also a certified acupuncturist, a card-carrying member of the Ontario Association of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Thus he is a firm believer in keeping it 'natural' – as in healing. Hanshi travels, teaches and performs throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He was a formidable competitor, a 'triple threat' in kata, sparring, and weapons divisions.
Becoming a provincial and national champion, he was top-ten rated by Karate Illustrated Magazine and voted Male Black Belt Competitor by the Ontario Karate Circuit.
When he's not wearing his gi and obi he cross-trains, reads, does volunteer work in his community, spends time with his lovely wife Kerri and plays guitar.
Bill Pickells:
In 1970, Bill Pickells began his martial arts training in Brampton, Ontario, under the tutelage of Grand Master Wally Slocki. Bill received his first black belt in 1974 and went on to teach for Wally Slocki's Canadian School of Health and Self Defense.
In 1975, Bill began training with Hanshi Cezar Borkowski of Northern Karate, where he received his 2nd black belt. Wally Slocki and Cezar Borkowski were instrumental in Bill continuing his Martial Arts journey and to this day he considers them both his mentors.
Bill hosted a weekly TV series Karate in Action on Rogers Cable TV for five years, wrote articles for magazines and had a weekly newspaper syndicate on self defense. He also had several action movie credits to his name, with both Film One Productions and Five River Films.
As a competitor Bill was rated number one with Karate Illustrated Magazine and was instrumental in Canada receiving it's own ratings zone, known as Region 3. He won such titles as the US Open, Canadian Open, and the USKA Bushido award "competitor of the year", he won the North American Karate/Kung Fu Championships and held the title of Ontario Provincials grand champion, five years running; just to name a few.
As a tournament promoter, Bill hosted such events as The Canadian Diamond Nationals, The Canadian Diamond Challenge and The Battle at Brampton. He was the Canadian Director of the USKA under Master Robert A. Trias (Phoenix, Arizon), receiving his 5th degree/Shihan ranking, was the Canadian Director of the Profesional Karate Commission (PKC), under Grand Master Glenn Keeney (Indiana), receiving his 6th degree ranking, and was the President of the Professional Martial Arts Alliance (Ontario, Canada).
Bill has since retired and divides his time as a caregiver, a pet whisperer and fashions himself as a modern day Mr. Miyagi, living a zen life as he nurtures his gardens and lawns. He feels honored to be remembered and to conclude his martial arts legacy with the prestigious award of being inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Masami Tsuruoka Life Time Achievement/Prix Hommage Masami Tsuruoka
Rudy Timmerman
In very early 1950, he began training in Holland, where he was born, and continued to practise in Canada after his family moved there in October 1958. Originally he studied Jiu Jitsu and Catch as Catch Can; however, when those arts were not available to him in Canada, he began to study the arts of Kuk Sool Hap Ki Do (AKA Kong Shin Bup) and Tae Kwon Do under Grandmasters Pak In Sukand and Pak Sung Bok respectively.
During the late 60s and early 70s, He traveled extensively to look for GM Pak In Suk, his Hap Ki Do Instructor, and competed wherever he could find a tournament. During these Golden Years of martial arts, he also took part in workshops with many great Masters, and competed against some of the best in the world.
In 1984 he found Grandmaster Pak in Edmonton, Alberta. While there, he tested and was promoted to 8th dahn Kong Shin Bup by Grandmaster Pak. Before he left Edmonton, and because GM Pakhad founded a new martial art called Tae Keuk Do, he was appointed as the Inheritor of Kong Shin
Bup.
He eventually became the Master in charge of Canada and the State of Michigan for the
World Kuk Sool Association, and he worked diligently to spread the art of Kuk Sool until 1998. By that time, he had established no less than sixteen schools for the World Kuk Sool Association.
Between 1973 and 2019 he was the founder of many Korean associations and served in nearly a dozen of others.
Recipient of many Hall of Fames and magazines appearance such as the Black Belt magazine and Front Cover of Tae Kwon Do.
Grandmaster Timmerman’s skills have been recognized by, and he received numerous awards from, all levels of the Canadian Government, including, but not limited to: Prime Ministers JeanChretien Steven Harper, Justin Trudeau, as well as the Canadian Ambassador to the UK, several Mayors, high ranking Military Officials of the US and Canada. Received keys to several cities inthe US.
Here’s the rank that Grandmaster Timmerman holds in different Martial Arts.
JiuJitsu 1950 -1987 Rank 5th Dahn Shinsaku Hogen, Hanshi
KongShinBup 1958 -2017 Rank 9ht Dahn GM Pak In Suk/Seo In Sun
TaeKwonDo (ITF) 1958 -1962 Rank 1st Dahn GM Pak Sung, Bok
Kuk Sool 1958 -1984 Rank 6th Dahn GM Suh In Hyuk
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Humanitarian/Prix Humanitaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Karate Sportif Quebec
Avec 4 fondateurs à son origine et soutenu par un comité de 11 membres chargés des niveaux de compétence, le Groupe Karaté Sportif affiche fièrement une adhésion proche des 15 000 individus. Son envergure se déploie à travers pas moins de 42 succursales et 150 points de service, soigneusement répartis à travers le paysage québécois. Loin de s'arrêter là, l'impact de l'organisation se fait ressentir dans plus de 110 garderies, écoles et résidences pour personnes âgées, où ses programmes de formation font désormais partie intégrante de l'écosystème éducatif. Une toile impressionnante qui révèle le rayonnement considérable du Groupe Karaté Sportif.
Cette prestigieuse reconnaissance souligne leur contribution humanitaire exceptionnelle au sein de la communauté canadienne. Les répercussions positives de leur impact se manifestent à travers leurs programmes éducatifs, leurs initiatives de soutien scolaire et de prévention de l'intimidation.
Mettant en lumière leur dévouement envers l'autonomisation, la diversité et les valeurs fondamentales d'inclusion et de respect. Leurs actions inspirent les générations actuelles et futures, contribuant à former des leaders de demain dotés de confiance et d'estime de soi.
Cette reconnaissance reflète l'héritage du Groupe Karaté Sportif, un héritage qui transcende les limites des arts martiaux pour toucher le cœur même de notre société. Nous célébrons une équipe qui incarne la force, la résilience et la bonté en action, un exemple véritable d'inspiration pour le monde qui nous entoure.
Félicitations !
Dr Alastair Murray Community Award/Prix Communaute Dr Alastair Murray
Andray Renaud
Andray Renaud's professional and philanthropic career reflects her unwavering determination and passion. Trained in law, she practiced as a lawyer, a profession that demands rigor and solid professional ethics.
But the courtroom isn't the only arena where Andray has proven herself. She is also a martial arts enthusiast, holding a 5th dan in the Chito-Ryu style as well as the title of Renshi. As chief instructor at Karaté Rive Nord centers, she has paved the way for many students, guiding them through their own quests for self-improvement.
This combination of legal and martial arts expertise is a testament to her versatility and commitment to justice and discipline.
But what really sets Andray apart is her humanistic vision. In 2017, she founded the Red Robin Equestrian Foundation; a charitable initiative that took root on her Outaouais-based ranch, following a tragic event. The Foundation's primary mission is suicide prevention and wellness promotion and aims to help people experiencing difficulties whether emotional, relational, social or psychological to find solutions to face their challenges.
To achieve its mission, the Foundation offers an innovative, non-traditional approach that involves, as a central part, integrating horses into the therapeutic process. The horse is said to be “the mirror to your soul”.
This innovative method has enabled many people to find solutions adapted to their situations, reflecting the very essence of the martial arts: surpassing oneself. Just as the martial arts seek to transcend our limits, equine-assisted therapy adds a new dimension to healing, enabling each individual to find his or her own path, his or her own solutions.
Andray Renaud's journey is a testament to her willingness to contribute positively to the community, whether through martial arts, justice or equine therapy. She is a living example of how different passions can be combined to create a lasting impact.
