INSTRUCTORS
Shihan
Robert Patry
Shihan Robert Patry is the proud owner and head instructor of S.M.A. Karate CANADA, bringing over 40 years of dedicated martial arts experience to the Kingston community. A 7th Dan Kyoshi, he teaches both Shotokan and Goju-Ryu Karate, blending tradition with a deep passion for developing confident, disciplined students.
Certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), Shihan Patry is also the Head Coach of Kingston’s only competitive karate team that actively competes at both the provincial and national levels — a testament to his commitment to excellence and athlete development.
Beyond karate, he is also a Sifu and the founder of the Patry Ving Tsun Academy, where he teaches Wing Chun Kung Fu, passing on authentic techniques in a supportive and structured environment.
Driven by a love for teaching and a belief in the transformative power of martial arts, Shihan Patry is dedicated to helping every student — from young beginners to seasoned competitors — reach their full potential, both on and off the mats.
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Joyko
Ena Drakich
Joyko Ena Drakich holds a 4th Dan in Gōjū-Ryū Karate and a 2nd Dan in Shotokan, reflecting her deep commitment to traditional martial arts. She began her journey with S.M.A. Karate CANADA in 2006 and has spent over 20+ years training and teaching with unwavering dedication — practicing and instructing three to five days a week.
Joyko Ena embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, continually refining her skills while mentoring students of all ages and abilities. Her passion for martial arts extends beyond the dojo and into the competitive arena. As a para-athlete, she has achieved remarkable success in the Ontario Karate Federation (OKF), earning the #1 provincial ranking in her division for the 2019–2020 season.
Certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Level 2 Coach
More than a skilled martial artist, Joyko Ena is an inspiring example of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of inclusive, disciplined training.
Sensei
Erica Silver
Sensei Erica began her karate journey in Toronto during her early teens and has since earned her 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate. After relocating to Kingston with her family, she joined S.M.A. Karate CANADA in early 2024, quickly becoming a valued and active member of the dojo community. Sensei Erica received her 2nd Dan November, 2025.
Certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Level 2 Coach.
With a lifelong passion for karate, Sensei Erica can often be found at the dojo several times a week — whether training, teaching, assisting others, or cheering on her son and daughter during practice. A certified Ontario teacher, she brings her professional expertise and dedication to education into the dojo, where she works closely with students of all ages and skill levels.
Known for her supportive and encouraging approach, Sensei Erica is committed to helping every student strive for excellence — both in martial arts and in personal growth — by fostering discipline, perseverance, and a love for continuous learning.
Sensei
Jason Yeomans
With over 46 years of lifelong dedication to martial arts, Sensei Jason brings a depth of experience shaped by perseverance, discipline, and a passion for continuous learning. His journey began at the age of 10 with Judo, a path that started as a bullied child and grew into a lifelong commitment to personal growth and self-mastery.
Over the decades, he has trained extensively in multiple disciplines, including Hapkido, Kung Fu, and Aikido. He achieved the respected rank of Unong Guro in Filipino Arnis/Kali/Escrima and competed internationally in three world-level tournaments, including the 1998 WEKAF World Championships in Cebu City, Philippines.
Although retired from his professional career, his dedication to martial arts remains unwavering. Known among peers and students for often saying he will always be a student, he embodies the true spirit of lifelong learning that martial arts instill.
After moving to Kingston over five years ago, he was grateful to find a strong martial arts home at SMA. He earned his Shodan in 1997 and later his Godan in 2015, with all ranks certified through the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
Driven by respect for tradition and a deep love for training, Sensei Jason continues to practice, learn, and contribute to the martial arts community — proving that while one may retire from a career, the martial arts journey never truly ends.
Sensei
Charles Bird
Bio Coming Soon........
Sensei
Isabelle Panosyan
Bio Coming Soon........
Sensei
Connor Maclean
Sensei Connor began his karate journey at the age of eight, developing a strong foundation in Shotokan Karate from an early age. After a brief break during the pandemic, he joined S.M.A. Karate in the fall of 2021, where he continued to grow both as a martial artist and as a leader within the dojo. He earned his 1st Dan (Shodan) in Shotokan Karate in November 2025, marking an important milestone in his martial arts journey.
A dedicated and familiar presence at the dojo, Sensei Connor can be found training or assisting several days a week. He plays an active role in the Junior Dragon and Kids programs, where he is known for his patience, enthusiasm, and genuine enjoyment in helping young students build confidence, skill, and a love for karate.
In addition to teaching, Sensei Connor actively participates in competition and has proudly represented the dojo as a member of the S.M.A. demonstration team, reflecting his commitment to personal growth and to supporting the dojo community.
Outside of martial arts, Sensei Connor helps out on his family farm, where he enjoys working with the animals and spending time alongside his father.
He also has a love for travel and cultural experiences, having visited Norway and Japan, further enriching his appreciation for discipline, tradition, and global perspectives.
Sensei
Aidan Wilson
Sensei Aidan began his journey in Shotokan Karate in 2016 at the age of nine, developing a strong foundation in both discipline and technique from an early age. In the fall of 2024, he joined S.M.A. Karate, where he continued to refine his skills and dedication to the art, earning his 1st Dan in November 2025.
Karate plays a vital role in Aidan’s life, contributing significantly to his physical development, mental focus, and personal growth. He trains three times per week and actively participates in dojo events, demonstrating a consistent commitment to his training and the S.M.A. Karate community.
Outside of the dojo, Aidan is a well-rounded individual with a strong academic background. He plays both the clarinet and violin and has a particular talent for mathematics. He is currently taking a gap year to save for university, continuing to pursue personal and academic goals alongside his martial arts training.
Aidan values the sense of community and camaraderie found at S.M.A. Karate and takes pride in being part of an environment that encourages growth, respect, and mutual support both on and off the mats.
Sensei
Ken Thomson
Sensei Ken brings a strong foundation of discipline, service, and leadership to the dojo, shaped by a distinguished career in both the military and Corrections. His background reflects a lifelong commitment to responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth.
Ken began his karate journey in 2018 and officially joined the S.M.A. Karate in 2021, steadily developing his skills and dedication to the art. In November 2025, he proudly earned his 1st Dan, marking an important milestone in his continued martial arts path.
An active and reliable presence within the dojo, Sensei Ken participates in a wide range of dojo activities and is especially valued for his support in the kids’ classes, where his calm demeanor and life experience help create a positive and structured learning environment.
Outside the dojo, Ken is deeply devoted to his family and has a strong love for the outdoors. He spends much of his time contributing to the family homestead, embracing hard work, self-sufficiency, and time spent in nature—values that strongly align with his approach to karate and life.
Sensei
Sean McKnight
Sensei Sean began his karate journey in 2006 at S.M.A. Karate, complementing his training with valuable martial arts experiences abroad. Through years of consistent dedication and disciplined practice, he earned his Shodan in Goju-Ryu Karate in 2025, reflecting both technical skill and commitment to traditional karate principles.
Alongside his martial arts path, Sensei Sean is a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing with him a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and service. These qualities are evident in his approach to training and his respect for the values that karate instills.
Guided by perseverance and a deep respect for tradition, Sensei Sean continues to develop as a martial artist while contributing to the strength and integrity of the S.M.A. community.
DISTANT SENSEI'S
Sensei
Sharief Saleh
Sensei Sharief, a seasoned martial artist from Egypt, began his journey at the young age of 6. Over the years, he trained in a variety of disciplines including Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Ju Jitsu, and Shotokan Karate from 2004 to 2012. His dedication to karate led him to compete in seven national kumite (sparring) tournaments, earning multiple medals along the way. Sensei Sharief also proudly represented his country as a member of the National Karate Team.
In 2020, Sensei Sharief reignited his passion for Shotokan Karate by joining S.M.A. Karate CANADA, where he continues to develop his skills and currently holds a 1st Dan rank. His journey is a testament to his lifelong commitment to martial arts excellence.
Sensei
Brody Medeiros
With over eight years of dedicated training, Sensei Brody earned his 1st Dan in October 2022. While currently attending school away from Kingston, he remains deeply connected to the dojo, visiting regularly during the summer months. Sensei Received his 2nd Dan in November 2025.
Even while away, he stays involved by supporting the Karate club remotely and looks forward to assisting, instructing, and training whenever he returns. His many years of commitment reflect a strong passion for martial arts and teaching.
