ABOUT US
Sensei Nick Neri
5th dan black belt – Shotokan Karate
Instructor at Monkland Karate for over 30 years
Special education teacher for over 45 years
With over three decades of experience as a martial arts instructor, Sensei Nick Neri is a dedicated and influential figure in the martial arts community. Holding a 5th-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, he has taught and mentored countless students at Monkland Karate, guiding them to excel both on and off the dojo floor.
Sensei Nick Neri continues to study and train with Sensei Katsumata (8th dan) on a weekly basis.
His students participate in both regional and international competitions.
Sensei Neri continues to inspire his students, instilling in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect that define Shotokan Karate.
Instructor Valentine Stasse
1st dan black belt – Shotokan karate
Instructor at Monkland Karate
Valentine is a dedicated and passionate martial arts instructor with a 1st-grade black belt in Shotokan Karate. As a teacher at Monkland Karate, she combines her strong technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping her students grow, not only as martial artists but as individuals.
Before her journey in martial arts, Valentine worked as a space engineer, showcasing her analytical mindset and attention to detail. Now, as a dedicated mother of three boys, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching, balancing her experience as a professional and a parent, while inspiring her students with her resilience and discipline.
Instructor John Jo
1st dan black belt – Shotokan karate
Instructor at Monkland Karate
Social worker
Instructor John is a dedicated martial artist and compassionate social worker, currently holding a 1st-grade black belt in Shotokan Karate. As an instructor at Monkland Karate, John combines his technical expertise in martial arts with his deep understanding of human behavior, bringing a unique, empathetic approach to his teaching.
With a background in social work, John is committed to fostering an environment of support, respect, and personal growth for his students.
John believes that karate is not just about physical skill, but also about building mental resilience, discipline, and community.
Instructor Nadxieli Jareda-Hernandez
2nd dan black belt – Shotokan karate
Instructor at Monkland karate
Bachelor’s student in biology
Nadxieli is a disciplined and passionated martial arts instructor. She has been training at the Monkland Karate Center since the age of 9. With 20 years of practice under her belt, she has participated in numerous Shotokan Karate Association competitions as well as an international competition in Ireland in 2019.
In the Dojo, Nadxieli has been teaching Karate since the age of 14 years old. Ever since, she shares her extensive expertise in karate techniques and competitions with her students, blending discipline with a positive attitude. Her teaching helps build a new generation of athletes ready to take on the many challenges of karate.
Sensei Yutaka Katsumata
8th Grade Black Belt – Shotokan Karate
Chief instructor of AKS
An internationally recognized instructor established in Montreal since more than 30 years, he is a graduate of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructor school.
He has been a multiple-time champion in this prestigious organization.
He is the Technical Director of the Shotokan Karate Association of Quebec (AKS).
As the Chief Instructor of the AKS, Sensei Katsumata travels across Quebec to share his knowledge with other Shotokan Karate instructors throughout the province. A true role model, his expertise continually inspires and mobilizes his students, regardless of their level.
