Staff
"The Black Belt around my waist does not represent who I am. It represents what I can be"
Mersina Giampapa
Owner/Head Sensei
Mersina has been training in the martial arts since the age of three and teaching since the age of thirteen. Currently, under the instruction of Sensei David Nixon, a fifth-degree black belt, Mersina continues to train and passes her knowledge on to her students.
She is currently a fourth-degree black belt in karate, earning her first degree at the age of thirteen, her second at the age of eighteen, and her third at the age of 21. She qualified as a member for team Canada 2024 and holds a national championship title in continuous sparring.
Mersina became a lead Sensei under Neil Bishop at the age of seventeen. With training in many karate styles as well as ju-jit-su, kickboxing and ancient weapons, Mersina continues to bring new and exciting things to the floor and to the students.
Mersina believes that tournaments are a great way to expand your knowledge and encourages those who wish to compete to do so, however there is no push. She believes each student should be able to find a path that is uniquely theirs.
Maya Giampapa
Head Sensei
Like many of our teachers and leadership team, Sensei Maya started training at a young age. She received her 1st Dan under Sensei Neil Bishop at the age of 12. She tested alongside Sensei Mersina going for her 3rd Dan at the time!
Sensei Maya as been lending a hand on the dojo floor since the age of 10 and has always loved working with kids and the kids love being with her!
She volunteers with students in class rooms and is currently in college preparing to work with disadvantaged youth in the future.
Her favourite kata is a toss up between Seiuchin and Choong-Moo and she loves to train with the bo whenever she can!
Diana Valliant
Head Sensei
While Diana didn't have any martial arts backround when she started, we knew she would be a great asset to our team. Her passion for teaching and helping children shined bright from day one. Diana now holds her 1st degree black belt under Sensei Mersina. She is not only on our leadership team but also has a spot on our demo team as well. Oh! And did we mention she's a proud member of team Canada for 2024, as well as a national finalist?
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In her free time she is normally at the dojo but otherwise she's pursuing her undergrad in music on her way to becoming a full time kindergarten teacher!
"Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor. Seize it while it’s at your door."
”Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not.”
Harley Appleton
Sensei
Harley has been with us since we opened in 2019! He is extremely dedicated to his training and loves teaching. It helps that he's awesome with the kids.
For Harley, karate is a lifelong commitment. He has earned his black belt and continues to mentor and inspire students around him. In the past he has been part of our demo team as well as a tournament competitor.
Spare time? You can probably find him on the go-cart track or working on his designs for his t-shirt company.
Kaya Janiak
Event Staff
Kaya loves working with kids in an environment that is supportive, creative and inpsiring.
In her spare time Kaya loves to take up swimming. You'll see Kaya a lot during the summer and at Lion's Heart events, karate parties and movie nights!
"Fitness is not about being better than someone else. It is about being better than you used to be. The same is true for Martial Arts"
Carla Giampapa
Receptionist/Personal Trainer
Carla has not only provided years of customer service professionally but she has also supported her three children through their intense journey while training in martial arts. She is there to answer questions and support parents and students!
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Carla is a certified personal trainer and TRX trainer for the past 20 years. She is able to provide safe, fun, and healthy games, warm ups, and exercises to keep students happy, healthy and in shape.
