Meet Our Instructors

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David started training under Ralph Chinnick a 10th degree grand master in Tracy’s Kenpo in 2000. He has been teaching youth as well as older adults, working with schools and community groups to bring self-defence awareness to all. When he is teaching he understands that some people have limitations, but endeavours to teach them to the maximum they can achieve. Dave is the owner of Victoria Professional Self Defence

 Jacolby has trained in Kenpo for 20 years, 16 of which he has spent teaching.  He focuses on safe but high impact training effective for all body types.  Though having achieved the rank of Yodan he primarily uses martial arts to keep himself conditioned for his pursuit of wilderness adventures. 

Steve began his training at Victoria Professional Self Defence in 2000 as a personal challenge to learn a martial art style. He has worked hard to attain the rank of Sandan. He spent 14 years in the military and is currently working at a mental health facility where he teaches de-escalation techniques as well as hands on containment and control. He focuses on fitness and technique analysis, i.e. learning why moves work, or why they don’t. 

May was 59 when she started training in Kenpo Karate at the Victoria Professional Self Defense dojo in 2014. She joined with her husband to learn something together. They both earned their 2nd Degree Black Belt 5 years later and May has been teaching over Zoom since the summer of 2021. She offers fun, low-impact, aerobic workouts to build core strength. Her classes emphasize technique, aimed at people who may be older, or who have never before considered the need for self defense training. Outside the dojo, May is the author of two non-fiction books, a speaker, and a creator of beautiful and practical things made with yarn, fabric, and food. Her website is www.MayQWong.com. 

Jenny started training in Kenpo in 2004 and has been teaching kenpo and kickboxing for over a decade. At the rank of Shodan, her teaching style focuses on sharp technique, hard work and keeping things fun. She is also a registered BC Boxer (1-0) and loves getting outdoors. Off the mat, Jenny is an illustrator and painter, and is always looking for her next big project. She also works at MEC Victoria, and has a passion for helping people get active. 

Thom has been training in Kenpo since 2005, starting at the age of 12. He has been teaching at the dojo since 2009 instructing both youth and adults. He has competed in the Western Canadian Martial Arts Competition as well as the Tiger Balm Internationals in both the under belt and black belt categories for kickboxing and traditional forms. Thom's classes 

Auto started training in Shotokan at Midwest Karate in Winnipeg under Sensei Jerry Marr. After moving to Victoria in 1998, Auto continued training in Shotokan and Kickboxing with Stan Peterec. Since 2010 Auto has trained in Kenpo at PSD and has reached the level of Nikyu. Auto enjoys music of all genres and has toured internationally. 

Jessica has been studying Kenpo karate since 2000. After a 13-year hiatus she returned in 2014 and began instructing in 2018. Her classes aim to increase strength and flexibility. When she isn’t gaming (board and video), or escaping in a book to some fantastical world, she’s out hiking or biking. She is currently working on leveling up in Kenpo. Jessica is currently an electrician for Victoria Shipyards

Jose started practicing martial arts at Victoria Professional Self Defense in 2015. He is currently a purple belt in Tracy’s Kenpo Karate. Jose has a background in kickboxing and traditional boxing. His teaching methods emphasize dexterity and agility resulting in a style that relies on foot and headwork as primary means of defense and overwhelming speed as offence.