ABOUT US
The Jiyu-Shin Karate School is the oldest karate club in Peterborough, founded by Sensei Mark Bell in 1972. Several of Sensei Bell's first black belts still teach and train. Chito-Ryu is our formal style of karate. We also incorporates aspects from other martial arts into our curriculum.
Find out more about our instructors below.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
SENSEI JOHN MACCALLUM
Day Job: Technical Service Advisor
Started karate: 1990
Received my black belt: January 1996
Other martial arts training: Judo, Aiki jiu-jitsu
I joined karate because: I wanted to exercise and learn a martial art
I do karate now because: I enjoy breaking down technique I have performed over the year and am still able to find way to improve how I perform the techniques.
Other hobbies/interests: Motorcycles, volunteer firefighter, camping
SENSEI RICK MULLIN
Day Job: Retired; industrial electrician
Started karate: September 1975
Received my black belt: August 1981
Other martial arts training: None
I joined karate because: I was talked into trying karate by my brother in 1974 then started in 1975
I do karate now because: I have trained and continue to train with many very good martial artists and I am honoured to continue from their example. Now, it is my way of life.
Other hobbies/interests: Hunting
SENSEI MITCH MAXINE
Day Job: Business Owner - BAM Mascots
Started karate: 1985
Received my black belt: May 1988
Other martial arts training: Aikido (unranked), Judo (blue belt), grappling
I joined karate because: My brother convinced me to try it out
I do karate now because: I am slave to the structure and the physicality of the martial arts, karate specifically. That, and the undeniable link to an intellectual requirement are what keep me here
Other hobbies/interests: guitar, collecting miniature superhero replicas, working out
SENSEI SEANA FOSTER
Day Job: Business Owner - 360 Wellness Clinic, Registered Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy instructor
Started karate: 1996, picked up as an adult again in 2007
Received my black belt: September 2010
Other martial arts training: None
I joined karate because: As a kid I got bullied a lot, and my parents wanted me to be able to protect myself
I do karate now because: I enjoy the challenge, exercise, and beauty of karate. Also,the people involved have become a second family.
Other hobbies/interests: playing board games, Dungeons & Dragons, hand drumming
SENSEI DEVON MACCALLUM
Day Job: Paramedic
Started karate: 2004
Received my black belt: November 2012
Other martial arts training: None
I joined karate because: I wanted to start a sport the ran year round.
I do karate now because: I enjoy the training and being pushed to constantly improve.
Other hobbies/interests: guitar, volunteer firefighter
SENSEI MAX MACCALLUM
Day Job: University Student
Started karate: 2005
Received my black belt: June 2016
Other martial arts training: None
I joined karate because: My dad is the head instructor
I do karate now because: I enjoy it
Other hobbies/interests: Gaming