About Us
 

With over 20 years of experience in Taekwondo, Master Diane Tonner is a passionate instructor who believes that the journey to black belt is a path that builds skills that positively impact all aspects of life. A highly accomplished coach, Master Diane works with students at every level, from beginners to national level high-performance athletes, guiding them to reach their personal best on and off the mat.
 

Master Diane emphasizes the core tenets of Taekwondo—Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit—in her teaching, instilling these values as life skills that empower students beyond the dojang. She is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment, where every student, regardless of personal challenges, can progress at their own pace. With experience working with students facing a range of conditions, including vision impairment, hearing impairment, autism, Down syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and other learning disabilities, Master Diane fosters a supportive and adaptive learning atmosphere for all.

Instructor Kyle Charles has dedicated over 14 years to learning and teaching Taekwondo, bringing his passion, discipline, and experience to every class. Known for his high-energy sessions, Kyle combines a fun-loving spirit with a focused, hard-working approach, creating an atmosphere where students feel inspired to push their limits and grow. His teaching style and magnetic personality have made him a favourite among students of all ages and levels.
 

Kyle's dedication to Taekwondo is unwavering; he continues to train and improve, balancing his rigorous training schedule with school and work. A two-time member of the Taekwondo Ontario Team, he’s represented the sport at a high level, even achieving a Bronze Medal at the prestigious Canada Open Tournament. His background in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces instilled in him a commitment to discipline and physical fitness, which he now passes on to his students.
 

Kyle is also currently pursuing his Fire Fighting Certification at Seneca College, a testament to his passion for serving others and his dedication to continued learning. His fitness expertise is matched by his skills in first aid and CPR, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone in his classes.
 

With Instructor Kyle, students not only learn the techniques of Taekwondo but also the values of perseverance, respect, and self-improvement.

Zakia Mirzaie is a dedicated and accomplished Taekwondo instructor with 23 years of training and coaching experience and a 3rd Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt. A former two-time member of the Afghan National Taekwondo Team, Zakia has represented her country in international tournaments in India and Tajikistan, where she won gold at the Tajikistan Open and silver at the Indian Open, showcasing her exceptional skill and competitive spirit on the world stage.
 

Zakia’s expertise allows her to train students of all levels, from young beginners in our "Musketeers" classes to elite high-performance athletes. In addition to her Taekwondo accomplishments, she has contributed to athletics in other impactful ways. Zakia spent four years as a cycling coach with the Neswan Institute, a German organization promoting sports for women in Afghanistan. She also held a leadership role with Free to Run, an initiative supported by the U.S. and Canadian embassies that encourages Afghan women to participate in athletics, including marathons. During her time with Free to Run, Zakia had the privilege of coaching both Olympic and Paralympic athletes, fostering a sense of empowerment and achievement among her athletes.
 

Known for her kindness, warm spirit, and gentle approach, Zakia is highly skilled at connecting with her students and making them feel supported and welcome. However, when it comes to competition, her kindness gives way to her fierce, competitive edge, where her speed, flexibility, and skill shine. Zakia’s commitment to her students and her lifelong passion for Taekwondo make her an invaluable mentor and role model, inspiring others to pursue their goals with dedication and courage.

With over 30 years of experience in Taekwondo, Instructor Amin Sadozi brings unparalleled dedication, skill, and resilience to every class. His journey in martial arts began at the age of 10 in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the tumultuous era of the Cold War and the Russian invasion. Despite the challenging circumstances that led his family to flee Afghanistan, Amin’s passion for Taekwondo never wavered. He continued his training across various neighboring countries, honing his craft and building a foundation that would support his future achievements.
 

Amin is a two-time Afghan National Champion and holds a 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Certification in World Taekwondo as well as a 3rd Dan ITF black belt, trained under the esteemed Grandmaster Park. His background is further enriched by his experience in multiple martial arts, including 5 years of boxing, 3 years of Kali (Filipino martial arts), and 2 years of Judo. This multi-disciplinary expertise makes him a versatile instructor who brings diverse techniques and perspectives to his teaching.
 

Throughout his career, Amin has coached and trained high-performance athletes, guiding them to success in various competitions at the local and provincial levels. Known for his disciplined yet encouraging approach, he is committed to helping students of all ages reach their full potential, whether they are beginners or advanced competitors.
 

Certified in First Aid and CPR, Instructor Amin ensures a safe and supportive training environment, placing a strong emphasis on both physical technique and personal development. His classes are dynamic, challenging, and rooted in respect, fostering a community where students are empowered to grow as martial artists and individuals.

Ivanna Padua is a passionate and accomplished Taekwondo instructor with 8 years of experience and a 3rd Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt. She began as an enthusiastic student and, through dedication and hard work, has grown into a skilled coach and instructor. With 6 years of competitive experience, including 3 years in high-performance tournaments, Ivanna is known for her resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. After excelling in local recreational tournaments, she embraced high-performance competition to push her limits and challenge herself against tougher opponents.
 

Ivanna’s dedication has brought her to the national podium twice—earning bronze in 2022 and silver in 2023. Her next goal is to join the Junior National Team, and she trains hard each day with that ambition in mind. She leaves everything on the mats, modeling the dedication and intensity she hopes to inspire in her students.
 

Ivanna’s kindness, sense of fun, and natural ability to connect with younger athletes make her a beloved role model within the club. Certified in First Aid and CPR, she creates a safe, supportive environment for up-and-coming competitors who look to her as an example of how hard work and passion can transform a student into a skilled competitor, coach, and inspiring leader.

Francesca Verdoni is an inspiring and dedicated instructor whose journey in Taekwondo began 7 years ago. Now a 2nd Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt, Francesca has grown from a young, eager student into a talented competitor and coach. With her 3rd Dan test on the horizon in June 2025 and has aspirations of earning a spot on the Senior National Team, Francesca is a determined and hardworking role model for everyone in our Taekwondo community.
 

Her accomplishments speak to her drive and resilience: a 5-year competition veteran and Ontario Provincial and Canadian National Bronze Medalist, Francesca brings a wealth of experience to every class she teaches. Her goal is not only to help students improve their skills but also to show them the power of perseverance and the rewards of dedication. Fluent in both French and English, Francesca connects easily with her students, creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
 

Certified in First Aid and CPR, Francesca is committed to maintaining a safe training space. She is known for her warmth, energy, and the personal care she shows each student, helping them believe in themselves and push beyond their limits. Her journey from student to instructor is a testament to her passion and dedication, and she hopes to inspire others to chase their own dreams with the same commitment.