Sensei Keith Holme (Owner & Head Instructor)
Sensei Keith Holme is a 3rd degree black belt in Japanese self defence Ju-Jitsu (Hon Tai Yoshin Ryu) and has been teaching for over 30 years. He grew up in Liverpool, England and started Ju-Jitsu training at the age of 14. He trained under the tutelage of the late Soke Robert Clark (10th Dan), World Ju-Jitsu Federation of Liverpool. He achieved his black belt when he was 17 years old. He was among the first 200 students to be appointed into the World Ju-Jitsu Federation Institute of Black Belts and achieved his level two coaching award.
Both his Father and Sister also trained in Ju-Jitsu. Some time after becoming black belts, the family set up and ran a small club on the outskirts of Liverpool, on behalf of the “W.J.J.F” where they dedicated two nights a week to teach 50 plus children and 20 plus adults each week. His Mother was also involved, she did all the administration work, even though there were 8 Degrees of black belt training between them, Sensei Holme always says that Mum was still “The Boss!”.
They have seen many students pass through their club over the years. Some of whom still train and teach.
Sensei Holme immigrated to Canada in 1999 and has been teaching Ju-Jitsu in other martial arts clubs. In May 2011, he made the decision to open his own facility, Red Dragon Martial Arts Academy. The name “Red Dragon” was chosen for a number of reasons. The ‘dragon’ has always been a symbol of martial arts, Red is Sensei’s favorite colour, The World Ju-Jitsu Federation has a red dragon in their logo and he also has family from Wales whose flag sports a Red Dragon, so I guess you could say the name was obvious.
“I believe martial arts is a way of life and a never ending journey. I want all of my students to achieve their life goals and be the best that they can be.”
Sensei Keith Holme
Mr. Floyd D Belle (Taekwon-do Instructor)
Mr. Floyd D. Belle is a 4th degree accomplished black belt instructor who has been training and teaching TaeKwon-Do for over 30 years. Mr. Belle started his martial arts training in the early 1990s under the instruction of Grand Master Jong Soo Park – one of the leading Pioneers of TaeKwon-Do where he obtained his 1st and 2nd degree black belt. Mr. Belle later obtained his 3rd and 4th dan certification under Grand Master Richard Parris from the International Ch’ang-Hon TaeKwon-Do Federation (ICTF). Mr. Belle who remains a student of TKD and other training styles of self defense brings a wealth of information to his new found home Red Dragon Martial Arts Academy where he teaches kids, teens and adults.
Floyd D. Belle
Sensei Sean Smith (Peewee Dragons Instructor)
Sean has had the privilege of training under Sensei Keith Holme for more than a decade. A black belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, he enthusiastically assists Sensei Keith in the Pee-Wee Dragons class, combining his skill with years of experience in working with children. He believes that a foundation in martial arts provides invaluable benefits for the development of confidence in kids; physically, emotionally and mentally. Red Dragon has become a fundamental part of his personal journey.
Sean Smith
Sensei Corry York (Assistant Instructor)
I have been studying Japanese ju jitsu with Sensei Keith Holme since 2006 and received my black belt in 2013. I have enjoyed every step along the way from assisting in the kids class to meeting new students and parents. I am excited to see what is in store for the future. I am also studying Koryu uchanidi kempo ju jutsu and have love for the history and traditions of the martial arts.
Corry York
Sensei Daniel Lennox (Assistant Instructor)
Daniel has been training in various styles of Martial Arts since the age of twelve and has been under the tutelage of Sensei Holme for seven years. His previous martial arts experience includes but is not limited to: Isshin-Ryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kung-fu.
“I honestly feel that Martial Arts is a journey that is a lifelong pursuit that will never be complete. I think of the rank of Black Belt as more of a true Martial Artists beginnings rather than an arrival or a permanent destination. I tend to put emphasis on foundational understanding on techniques as well as the underlying philosophy that Martial Arts provides. I am constantly in the mindset to improve upon my classmates core abilities as well as providing approaches to seemingly abstract martial concepts. I feel that as a Shodan, I have not accomplished my goal until I have improved upon my classmates abilities as well as my own”.
Daniel Lennox
WHAT IS HONTAI YOSHIN RYU?
Hontai yoshin ryu is a traditional Japanese style of Ju-Jitsu, which was formed almost four hundred years ago. The style embodies the techniques, principles and spirit of the Samurai way of life.
It is a “self defence” art which emphasises on using your opponent’s weight and force against them.
It involves throws, take down’s, arm, wrist and leg locks, escape’s from various holds, strikes, kicks, etc. A little bit of everything!
Along with the physical aspect of self defence, you achieve respect, discipline, courtesy and develop the courage and self confidence to apply to all aspects of life.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone can practice Hontai yoshin ryu regardless of age, build or gender.
We welcome all students of good character who wish to learn the art in the true spirit of BUDO.
