Meet our Jujutsu Instructors
The Richmond Hill Budokan has an enhanced team of instructors/teachers. Our teachers include National and International Champions, Specialized Instructors/Practitioners with a plethora of knowledge to be accessed from each.
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Every one of our Teachers shares a passion for the Martial Arts, and is eager to share their time and knowledge with our students. Our teachers volunteer their time to continue on a legacy of honor, respect and integrity of the martial arts.
Our Chief Instructor and Owner of the Richmond Hill Budokan
Sensei Doug Knispel
Chief Instructor
Kitsune Ryu Jujutsu​
Presdient of OJA
Black Belt Grading Board OJA
8th Dan Canadian Jiu Jitsu
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Sensei Doug Knispel
Sensei Doug started his martial art career at age 8. He was brought to the RH Budkan by his father so he could learn to be resilient against the bullies at school for the large glasses he wore.
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This opportunity set in motion a passion to learn the art of Kitsune Ryu and to eventually become its successor in leadership.
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Sensei Doug has spent more than 45 years dedicating himself to the training and expansion of martial arts.
Sensei Doug was one of the youngest individuals to receive his black belt in Kitsune Ryu (1988). Which lead to the beginning of his coaching to become successor of Kitsune Ryu Jijutsu
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Sensei Doug continues to teach and train regularly within his own system and many others. A good teacher continues the path of being a student.
As President of the Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association for the last 10 years, Sensei Doug continues to encourage excellence and assist with the fellowship of martial arts in Canada.
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Sensei Doug Knispel
Sener Al McIntosh
Sensei Doug Sr.
Hanshi Therien
Sensei Doug
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Sensei Doug Sr., 8th dan
Sensei Doug Sr. started it all. He brought Sensei Doug to the then Kitsune Jiu Jitsu Kai and enrolled him in martial arts class. After several months of watching Doug train Senior was encouraged to join in the classes.
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One of the fastest rising black belts in the system, Sensei Senior dedicated himself and tore through the system of Kitsune Ryu and reached his black belt in under 5 years.
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Father and son have continued teaching, exploring the martial arts while encouraging the many students who have come to the Budokan for training and enrichment.
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Sensei Doug Sr in his 78 year of age continues to be an integral part of the Budokan; teaching and training.
Sensei John McLachlan, 6th dan
Sensei John has been training at the budokan for over 40 years alongside Sensei Doug. Sensei John's leadership, guidance and training dedication is an inspiration to all of our students.
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Sensei John has been ripping up the WKC , NASKA and WKU circuits for the last 20 years competing in weapons, open hand and sparring - winning the World Championship Title again and again.
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Sensei John continues to train and teach at the Budokan, assisting students to prepare for their gradings and competition.
Sensei Hugh Smith, 6th dan
Hugh is a lifelong martial artist, with over 47 years experience in a variety of martial arts styles. He teaches in both our Jiu Jitsu and Karate Programs.
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Hugh is one of the lifelong teachers and caretakers of the Jiu Jitsu Kai encouraging its growth and spirit through the early years. A consistent valued mentor and leader of martial arts.
He holds the following ranks:
5th Dan, Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do
6th Dan, Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu
2nd Dan, Dento Nihon Jujutsu
2nd Dan, Wado Kai Karate-do