Charles Coutu

Master

5th Degree Black Belt (Head Instructor)

Charles Coutu is not only the head Instructor of the Valley KMAC, he is also a high school teacher in Sudbury. Mr. Coutu has developed a new martial arts program for the school, and it has received the full support and approval of the Board of Education. This credit course introduces high school students to the world of martial arts, and instruct them in the fundamentals of Han Moo Do.

Master Charles Coutu has trained in several arts and has obtained Black Belt certification in such martial arts as Hapkido, Zen Do and Kuk Sool Won. He currently holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in the art of Han Moo Do. Mr. Coutu is also the Tournament Director to Sudbury's very own Nickel Capital Budo Challenge. As a master, Charles has extensive knowledge of not only self defense techniques, open hand forms and striking techniques but of traditional korean weapons such as the sword, fan and many more.

With more than 25 years of experience in martial arts, Moo Sa Nim Coutu is widely known and appreciated by his peers.

Alex St-Amant

JKN

1st Degree Black Belt (Assistant Instructor)

Alexandre was born in April 1991. He started his martial arts career with Kuk Sool Won in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, in 2000. Upon moving to Sudbury, Ontario in 2005, Alex joined Han Moo Do. Alex obtained his Black Belt on February 28th, 2009. He is qualified to teach all classes offered and is very familiar with the curriculum. Alex ranked 2nd and 3rd at the WKC (National level Korean and Chinese forms, respectively.) He is currently training for his 2nd degree. JKN specializes in open hand forms, spectacular techniques and acrobatics. He also has a particular liking for pressure points.

Jo Kyo Nim Alex recently started training in XMA (extreme martial arts) through the Sudbury Gymzone.

Robert Tremblay

JKN

1st Degree Black Belt (Assistant Instructor)

Robert was born on July 14th 1982.

In the fall of 2006, Robert moved to Elliot Lake, Ontario, for a full time job as a school teacher. There, he was instructed the art of World Dahn Moo Do by Master Ivon Bergeron. In the spring of 2007, Robert moved back to Sudbury where he continued his training with Master Charles Coutu. He has since participated in many tournaments, bringing in many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes and received the title of "Grand Champion" at Monty Pinder's FMAC tournament in Sault Ste-Marie in 2009.

On November 26th 2011, Rob earned his First Degree black belt. His grading was outstanding and everyone agrees that he stole the show that day.

Martin St-Amant

JKN

1st Degree Black Belt (Assistant Instructor)

Martin was born in August 1994. He started his martial arts career with Kuk Sool Won in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, in 2002. Upon moving to Sudbury, Ontario in 2005, Martin joined Han Moo Do. For the next 5 years, he trained with many of Ontario's best masters and instructors. Martin will be under going his first degree testing in November of 2010. He was awarded Grand Champion of the 2010 Pinder's Martial Arts Tournament in his division. He was also awarded with the Nickley Capital Budp Challenge 2011's under black belt form and weapons Grand Champion.

With a National Medal (3rd place in Chinese Forms in 2009), countless 1st places in Forms, Sparring and Self Defense throughout 2010, Martin is one of the best in his age group.

Martin accomplished his First Degree Black Belt under the guidance of the UKMAA in May 2011.

Michel LeBlanc

DBN

Dahn Bo Nim (Black Belt Candidate)

Michel was introduced to martial arts at a young age by following in his older brother's foot steps to join Judo. Over the years, Michel acquired a brown belt in judo along with a green belt in Kung Fu. After a 10 years hiatus from martial arts, Michel met Moo Sa Nim Coutu who introduced him to Han Moo Do.

Through hard work, along with his past experience, knowledge and background, Michel has achieved his rank of Dahn Bo Nim. He under went his first black belt grading on November 26th in 2011. He is expected to grade for his 2nd test within 6 months of his first grading.

Michel has also represented Valley KMAC very well in tournaments bringing home trophies including 3 Grand Champs from events like the Nickel Capital Budo Challenge, the World Dahn Moo Do tournament.