About Us

Sensei Roberto Vasquez, 6th Dan

Sensei Roberto Vasquez began his martial arts journey in 1993 at the age of 15, when he first met Sensei Jim Kelsh at the Guelph Martial Arts Academy. He recalls a small but powerful detail from his very first day: a mirror with a small box on a shelf beside it, labelled “Leave your ego here.” This message has stayed with him ever since, serving as a constant reminder that the dojo is a place for humility, openness, and a clear mind.

Sensei Roberto trained under Sensei Kelsh until the dojo closed, after which he continued his development with one of Sensei Kelsh’s former students, Sensei Mark Matthews, at the Guelph Budokan Centre of Martial Arts. Under Sensei Matthews’ guidance, he progressed through the ranks, earning his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 2001, Nidan (2nd degree) in 2004, Sandan (3rd degree) in 2008, Yondan (4th degree) in 2012, Godan (5th degree) was promoted in Okinawa, Japan under Hanshi Akihito Yagi in 2017 and Rokudan (6th degree) was promoted in Okinawa, Japan under Hanshi Akihito Yagi in 2025. He currently holds the rank of Rokudan (6th degree), a distinction he considers a great honour.

A highlight of his journey was travelling to Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of Karate, to complete his grading. This experience was both meaningful and transformative, deepening his appreciation for the art and its traditions.

Throughout his career, Sensei Roberto has remained committed to continuous learning. He has attended numerous seminars and training sessions to expand his knowledge and refine his skills. Some of the distinguished instructors he has had the privilege to learn from include:

Meitatsu Yagi Hanshi – IMGKA Okinawa
Akihito Yagi Kyoshi – IMGKA Okinawa
Akihiro Yagi Kyoshi – IMGKA Okinawa
Mark Mathews Kyoshi – Guelph Budokan Karate Dojo
Ken Trebilcock Kyoshi – Budokan Karate Dojo
Iain Abernethy – Practical Application

Sensei Roberto continues to embody the principles of dedication, humility, and lifelong learning in both his training and teaching.