Sensei Sukwinder Manhas

Mr. Manhas began his martial arts training 25 years ago in an ITF Tae Kwon Do based system with former North American champion Danny Wilson in Port Alberni, B.C., Canada. After Mr. Wilson's untimely passing in 1983, Mr. Manhas began training with Mr. Rick Wallace under the tutelage of internationally renowned Okinawan karate instructer Patrick McCarthy. Sensei Manhas earned his black belts in Okinawan karate through sensei McCarthy and currently holds the rank of Sandan.

Mr. Manhas began his teaching career as an apprentice instructor in 1985 and began teaching full time in 1987 in Port Alberni. Mr. Manhas continues to teach all of his own classes and is often aided by his senior students. During his teaching career, Mr. Manhas taught individuals from all walks of life. Elementary school children to doctors to members of the RCMP have all benefited from his instruction. In his day job, Mr. Manhas has been working with "at risk youth" in our community for the past 17 years; the past 12 being with School District #70. Mr. Manhas has extensive training in interpersonal communication, mediation and conflict resolution. These skills have allowed Mr. Manhas to bring a unique style to his method of teaching.

As a sport karate, competitor, few can rival Mr. Manhas' longevity and experience. Mr. Manhas has won numerous open tournament championships in four different weight division as a black belt including:

• 15-time medalist at the Tiger Balm International
• 11 time medalist at the West Coast Can-Am championships
• B.C. Open Champion
• Western Canada Open Champion
• Two time winner of the "Most Inspirational Fighter" award at the West Coast Can Am Championships
• Member of "Team Canada: at the West Coast Can-Am Championships for over a decade.
• In all, Mr. Manhas has won nearly 80 awards as a black belt fighter.

Mr. Manhas has been rated as a top 10 fighter by the North American Sport Karate Association and has been perenially rated as a top regional competitor by the National Black Belt League and Sport Karate International.

Mr. Manhas is also the co-founder and original member of the West Coast Warriors Sport Karate Team.