Sensei Valerie Cummings - Director

Rank: 1st Dan

Sensei Val is owner and Director of Thousand Islands Martial Arts. Sensei Val got involved in the Martial Arts when her son, Jason (Sensei Cummings), joined at the age of 7. She had always been fascinated by the Martial Arts and, as a parent, she had learned a lot by just watching her son, participating in ladies self defense courses and volunteering her time to help out at the Dojo when needed.

Sensei Val has Rheumatoid Arthritis and her Doctor recommended that she join Karate for the exercise. So two weeks later she quit smoking and joined Karate. Since then, she knew Karate was for her. "My training has had its ups and downs but I try not to let that slow me down.", she remarked.

When she wasn't training, she could always be found in the background doing something with and for the Club. In July 2001 (when the former Dojo closed due to financial hardships) she decided that the students needed a place to train and learn the benefits that Martial Arts training can provide, so she got together with a few of the parents and Sensei and started T.I.M.A..

Her hobbies, when time allows, include her home and gardening. Her passion is people. "My goal is to be the best that I can be and to continue my training. Being a Black Belt is just the beginning of the journey."

Sensei Bob Noonan

Rank: 3rd Dan

Sensei Noonan is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under the teaching of his Sensei, Bob Mueller of Victoria, B.C. Sensei Mueller credits Jim MacDonald as his teacher. Sensei Noonan received his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1986 and his 2nd Degree in 1989. The ranks were granted by Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (North American Branch) under the leadership of O Sensei Richard Kim. Sensei Noonan was presented with his 3rd Dan by Sensei Bob Mueller in Brockville in July 2009.

Sensei Shawn Beaudoin

Rank: 2nd Dan

I started karate in Prescott then changed over to Superkids in Brockville where I had achieved the rank of Black Belt in June of 1994. After taking some time off I returned to training and teaching at Thousand Islands Martial Arts in 2001 where I have been ever since.

I enjoy teaching and helping other students achieve their dreams as well. My hobbies are reading, cards and wrestling events. My favourite food is Chinese and my favourite actor is Bruce Lee.

Sensei Ryan Gill

Rank: 2nd Dan

Sensei Gill recieved his first degree at the age of 13 and is currently working towards a career as a Personal Support Worker. Now a second degree blackbelt at the age of 23, Sensei Gill continues to advance in his Martial Arts training while passing on what he has learned to the students of T.I.M.A.. He is also the proud father of a new baby boy, Hunter. Congratulations Sensei Gill!

Sensei David Aikman

Rank: 1st Dan

Sensei Aikman began his Martial Arts training in the 1990s through several schools and under many instructors. David began supervising classes in 1998, under the "P.R.I.D.E." progam with Martial Arts Canada and from this, gained much needed teaching experience.

In 2001, he became a member of "Canadian Black Belt Centers" and in 2002 received his black belt, under the National Black Belt Club of Canada. David began more permanent teaching when he came to TIMA the next fall. Sensei Aikman credits his many instructors, family and friends, who he believes, helped him become the Sensei he is now".

David plans on moving to Oklahoma in the coming years to live his dream of working with weather.

Sensei Mike Shaver

Rank: 1st Dan

Sensei Mike Shaver achieved his first degree Blackbelt in 1992 and has in the past instructed at various locations. Sensei Shaver credits Sensei Noonan as one of his mentors for becoming a Blackbelt.

He and his wife Denise have three children Rylan, Brittany and Brenna. Besides his family his other interests are of course martial arts, sports, weight training and music. He plays guitar, sings and writes his own music.

Sensei Will Maitland

Rank: 1st Dan

Sensei Will began his journey in the martial arts in January 2003 and received his black belt in October 2010. He is a teacher at Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) in Brockville, On.

Sensei Megan Maitland

Rank: 1st Dan

Sensei Megan began her training in September 2002 and received her black belt in October 2010. She is currently attending Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS).