INSTRUCTORS
Kenneth Lee
Sensei Kenneth Lee brings over 30 years of Karate experience to his role as one of the chief instructors at Kenbukan. His dedication to elite competition led him to train extensively in Japan, an experience that shaped both his skills and mindset and fueled his success at the world level. In his classes, Sensei Kenneth delivers high-level karate instruction that blends elite athletic performance with traditional techniques, helping students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.
Whether your goal is mastering karate, building confidence in self-defense, improving fitness, earning a black belt, or winning medals in competition, Sensei Kenneth provides the guidance and expertise to help you succeed—on the mat and in life.
Achievements
- 3rd-Degree Black Belt (Sandan)
- Canadian National Team Athlete (2014-2024)
- 4-time Senior Canadian National Champion
- 2-time Pan American Medalist
- Top-7 world ranking (2016, 2018)
Mai Lee Hasegawa
Originally from Yamanashi, Japan, Sensei Mai Lee began practicing Shitoryu Karate at the age of three in her parents’ dojo, the Hasegawa Karate School. Immersed in martial arts from an early age, she has spent her life dedicated to karate, competing in kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) at tournaments across Japan and on the international stage.
Alongside her own training, Sensei Mai is passionate about teaching students of all ages. She finds joy in helping others grow in both kata and kumite, believing karate strengthens the body and mind while promoting happiness and health. Her goal is to share the true spirit of Karate-do, fostering respect, support, and community within her dojo. Sensei Mai looks forward to training with you!
Achievements
- 4th-Degree Black Belt (Yondan)
- Multi-time Japan Prefecture Championship Gold Medalist
- All Japan Business Co. Tournament Team Kata Bronze Medalist
- Shitokai Kanto Tournament Team Kumite Gold Medalist
- Poland Open Championship Silver Medalist
- South Germany Championship Gold Medalist
Edward Yao
Sensei Edward Yao began karate at the age of 7 after being diagnosed with asthma, using training to strengthen both his body and lungs. His dedication led him to earn the rank of Sandan. As a young adult, he represented the provincial team and became national champion in 2022.
Now retired from competition, Sensei Edward is committed to passing on his knowledge and values to the next generation of karate students, fostering growth through discipline, resilience, and the spirit of martial arts. His journey through karate also sparked a passion for physical rehabilitation, leading him to become a massage therapist. He now blends his expertise in movement and recovery to help students train safely, recover fully, and perform at their best.
Achievements
- 3rd-Degree Black Belt (Sandan)
- Provincial team member 2018-2022
- Multi-time Provincial medalist in both kata and kumite
- Canadian National Champion (2022)
John Sawal
Sensei John Sawal began training in karate at the age of seven and has since earned Shodan black belts in the styles of both Shitō-ryū and Shotokan. A member of Team Canada since the age of 15, he has competed extensively at both the national and international levels, capturing multiple national titles in junior and senior kata divisions.
John brings elite competitive experience to his teaching, with a strong emphasis on technical precision, solid fundamentals, and disciplined personal development.
Achievements
- 1st-Degree Black Belt (Shodan)
- Head Coach – BC Winter Games (2023)
- Gold Medalist – World Police and Fire Games (2023)
- National Team Captain – Junior Pan American Games (2015)
- 9-time Canadian National Champion