Instructors
Shihan Michael Beardwood – Founder
… began his karate training in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves in 1978. This catalyzed his lifelong study and love of combative theories, exploration of defensive abilities, understanding of karate techniques and how to apply in self defense.
He started the dojo in 1999, but there was no one in Southern Ontario that he could continue to learn from. He began to search and in 2003 he became associated with the Seiwakai organization under Japan Karate Federation Gojukai. Since then he has qualified and served as a Class A National and Provincial Referee, coached national competitors, and dedicated his time and efforts to helping members achieve their goals. In 2019 he was given authority to establish a new organization Shuseikan Canada, to represent member dojos in Seiwakai International, and to assist in maintaining standards of practice and understanding of GojuRyu Karate in Canada. As the Chief Instructor he dedicates his time teaching at member dojos, and assisting students and instructors to achieve Seiwakai and JKF standards of practice.
In 2023 he graded in Japan and was recognized and certified to the rank of 7th Dan Seiwakai, 6th Dan in the Japan Karate Federation GojuKai and the title of Renshi.
These accomplishments have required dogged persistence, constant practice and continuously challenging himself to improve. He works to instill this attitude of challenging oneself and continuous improvement in every student.
Sensei Lucy Gerritsen Beardwood – Co-founder
integrates her love and experience in judo to her karate teaching and practice, helping students make connections and understanding of how to apply techniques.
In 1974, Sensei Lucy began judo training at Seikeikan Judo Club under Masatoshi Umetsu (6th dan). In 1983 she traveled to Japan with him and trained at the Kodokan – the headquarters for judo in the world. There she was taught by legendary instructors, Toshiro Daigo and Haruko Niboshi Sensei (5th Dan) – then one of the highest ranking woman in the world. The primary training partner of Sensei Lucy’s during her time at the Kodokan was a young woman around the same age, by the name of Taeko Nagai (Sensei Nagai is now one of the highest ranking women in the world).
1998 she began to study karate and helped to establish ACT with Shihan Beardwood. She has worked to integrate her knowledge of both arts, sharing her knowledge teaching and coaching. She received her 5th degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate in 2024 and practices with an attitude of continuous learning.
Sensei Lucy is passionate about sharing her knowledge of both practices and highlighting the connections between the two.
Sensei Lucy is also an established visual artist and art educator.
Sensei John Passmore
… began his martial arts journey studying judo. Through his association in the Canadian Armed Forces reserve, he began to study of Goju Ryu Karate with Shihan Beardwood. Now a 4th Dan Instructor Sensei Passmore shares his knowledge of both arts with students.