Grand Master Felix Ayensu
8th Dan Black Belt, Program and Instructor Development
It is with great honour and respect that we welcome Grand Master Felix Ayensu 8th Dan Black Belt and Senior International Advisor to the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters to the Durham Region. He is a source of inspiration to thousands of martial artists. Grand Master Ayensu began the study of martial arts in his home country of Ghana in 1974 under renown Grand Master Gwak Ki Ok.
Some of Grand Master Ayensu’s major accomplishments in the last 30 years include:
- WTF International Olympic Referee
- North American Instructor of the Year
- National and International Martial Arts Educational and Technical Consultant
- Olympic Games Participant 1988
- Host and Director of the “Battle of the Warriors” International Open Martial Arts Championship in Georgetown Ontario
Master Ato Mensah
5th Dan Black Belt, Special Events Instructor
As a Master Instructor, Demonstrator, Promoter, Motivational Speaker and Competitor, Master Ato Mensah has been instrumental in the promotion and continual growth of Tae Kwon Do around the world. Master Ato Mensah is one of the pioneering students of Grand Master Felix Ayensu and Grand Master Gwak Ki Ok. As a dedicated Pastor, Master Ato is a very busy individual so we are honoured to be able to have him on our instructional team.
Master Ronny Larocque
4th Dan Black Belt
Master Ronny Laroque is part of Grand Master Felix Ayensu’s elite Black Belt Instructors. He is an award winning Children’s Martial Arts/Education Instructor and an exceptional martial artist who is very passionate about promoting the education of Tae Kwon Do.
Instructor Sofia Hovnanian
3rd Dan Black Belt, Head instructor children's programs at Durham Taekwondo. Highest Citation for promotion of Tae Kwon Do Education from the presidrent of the WTF 2010
Instructor Sofia started Tae Kwon Do at the age of 3 as one of Master Ato Mensah’s original Little Dragons at Hasnem Tae Kwon Do. Over the last 14 years she has continued to grow as a martial artist and an instructor. Through the guidance and support of Grand Master Ayensu and her master, Master Ato Mensah, she has been a driving force in bringing an exceptional program to the Durham area. Instructor Sofia’s teaching abilities have been recognized by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation WTF by President Chungwon Choue in appreciation of her dedicated service and outstanding contribution to the development of Tae Kwon Do, see article here. Instructor Sofia continues to search for new and innovative ways to teach the martial arts to all who want to learn.
Instructor Nicholas Kreuch
2nd Dan Black Belt
Instructor Nicholas has been a Tae Kwon Do student for 10 years motivated by Master Ato Mensah in promoting the education of Tae Kwon Do. He is a disciplined student and assists with kids advanced and adult classes.
Leadership Team
Green belt and higher
In order to promote leadership skills we encourage students who are green belt and higher to take an active role in classes. This promotes self esteem and confidence as well as a healthy team spirit.