11+ years Experience

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John Dempsey Jr. is a martial artist, Shiatsu Therapist, and a Fitness Instructor Specialist.  He began his martial studies in boxing at the age of 16, and soon moved on to Kempo, as he desired to learn how to kick.  From there he pursued Budo/Ninpo Taijutsu, and later on, Goshin-jitsu.   In 2001 he earned his Shodan in Goshin-jitsu, and in 2002 his Nidan, at which time  John began formally teaching on his own.  After spending 15 years competing in tournament circuits, John gave up competition to become more of a traditional martial artist, although he still participates in the non-competitive bi-monthly event, 'The Toronto Throwdown'.   John had always found human anatomy fascinating, and he believes strongly that a good martial artist has expert knowledge of anatomy, (including weaknesses), and physiology.  This belief has been reflected in his studies over the years in college/university courses in anatomy/physiology/pathology, and in his studies in reflexology, shiatsu, and Eastern meridian and medical theory.   His focus has always been on private instruction.  He prefers to teach this way, as it lets him focus on one person at a time for maximum results. 

John graduated with honours from the Shiatsu Therapy program, at the Shiatsu School of Canada in 2013.  It is here that he learned what he calls, 'the missing pieces', to his martial studies, particularly in Eastern meridian and tsubo theory, Qi-gong, nutrition, and Eastern medical theory.  These missing pieces gave him a deeper understanding of the history of martial arts, and concepts of the Five Animals of Kempo/Kung-fu, and helped him to re-invent and expand the style of Goshin-jitsu by adding in more Chinese components from Shaolin/Okinawan Kempo, Qi-gong, meridian theory, pressure/healing points, and Eastern medical theory.  Whereas this style used to be a mix of only Karate/Judo/Jiu-jitsu, John's version, which he calls 'Gogyo Goshin-jitsu', is a mix of Karate/Judo/Jiu-jitsu/Kempo/Qi-gong.

As mentioned, John is a Shiatsu Therapist, and operates a small home clinic, (Five Element Shiatsu), in the same location as Ryuuko Dojo.  He has also recently acquired his Fitness Instructor Specialist certification with Canfitpro, which has opened many doors for him in the fitness industry.  Besides teaching at his home dojo, John also teaches self-defense, qi-gong, cardio and strength building classes at several fitness locations in the GTA.  He is credited with the pioneering of two original fitness classes; 'Five Animal Fitness', (a cardio-based class using techniques from the Five Animal style), and 'Dynamic Strength', (a strength-building class using 'dynamic tension' exercises). 

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