About Josiah Kicks Academy
Josiah Kicks Academy is a premier martial arts school in Richmond, BC, dedicated to providing high-level competitive training to its students. With several Provincial and Western Canada gold titles under our belt, we take pride in bringing out the best in our students through rigorous training, expert instructors, and a strong community.
Our academy was founded to help students at Richmond Martial Arts achieve their highest goals and carry their newfound mindset into other aspects of their lives. We believe that our students are part of our family and community, which is why we host various events such as teaching seminars at schools, charity fundraisers, performances at local events, and more.
At Josiah Kicks Academy, we provide a journey that takes our students to new heights of success that they never thought possible. Our well-versed instructors ensure that every student receives individual attention and personalized training, making their journey with us truly unforgettable.
Join our community today by Clicking The Link below and taking the first step towards achieving your martial arts goals.
Our Instructors
Josiah
Josiah’s martial arts journey began at the age of 12 when he joined a community center Taekwondo program under the guidance of Master Benny Wong. It was here that the foundation of his martial arts career was laid. Josiah credits Master Wong with instilling a deep passion for the discipline, which has since blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of excellence in martial arts.
During his formative years, Josiah balanced Taekwondo training with a love for various sports, but it was Taekwondo that truly captivated him. Driven by determination and an insatiable desire to excel, Josiah earned his first-degree black belt just shy of his 18th birthday, graduating at the top of his class. His dedication and skill were apparent early on and set the stage for his future accomplishments in martial arts.
At the age of 18, Josiah joined Richmond Martial Arts as an assistant instructor. His natural leadership qualities, combined with his ability to inspire students, quickly led to his promotion to head instructor by the age of 21. In this role, he has cultivated a culture of excellence, fostering the growth and success of countless students. Under his guidance, Richmond Martial Arts has become one of the most respected schools in Richmond, British Columbia, known for producing exceptional martial artists who excel both on and off the mat.
Currently, Josiah holds the titles of Provincial Champion of British Columbia and National Champion of Canada in ITF Taekwondo, solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s top competitors. These accolades not only reflect his personal dedication to the sport but also inspire his students to pursue greatness in their own journeys.
He is soon testing for his 4th Degree ITF Taekwondo black belt. He also holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu along with versatile experience in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, and Weapons. He is a certified instructor with the International Taekwondo Federation and also certified by CanFitPro for health and fitness education.
Beyond competition, Josiah’s passion lies in helping others improve their lives through the transformative power of martial arts. He emphasizes the importance of posture correction, physical fitness, and a strong, healthy mindset as the cornerstones of success both in martial arts and in life. His students consistently achieve academic excellence, contribute meaningfully to their families, and develop into confident, disciplined individuals.
In addition to his dedication to martial arts, Josiah is an adventurer at heart. He finds joy in hiking, exploring waterfalls, and embarking on road trips, which provide balance and inspiration in his life. He is also a skilled guitarist, expressing his creativity through music.
As the founder of Josiah Kicks Academy, Josiah is working toward building the premier Taekwondo competitive school in the city and province. His academy is already producing provincial and national gold medalists, and his vision is to create a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond competitive success. With his combination of martial arts expertise, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial mindset, Josiah is committed to shaping a new generation of martial artists who will carry forward his values of discipline, perseverance, and integrity.
About josiah kicks academy
Iveta
Iveta is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwondo and a distinguished martial artist, recognized as the current National Champion and the number one female fighter in ITF Canada. She proudly represented Canada on the world stage at the 2023 ITF Taekwondo World Championships, competing at the highest level and showcasing her dedication, skill, and resilience. Her passion for excellence and her commitment to the art make her an inspirational figure in the martial arts community.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Iveta is a dynamic and engaging instructor. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every class, creating an atmosphere where students feel both challenged and motivated. Whether pushing her students to their physical limits or sharing a genuine and uplifting conversation, Iveta has a unique ability to connect with people and inspire them to strive for more.
Looking ahead, Iveta is determined to continue competing at an elite level and has her sights set on representing Canada once again at the World Championships in 2025. Her relentless drive and focus on improvement ensure she remains a formidable competitor and role model in the martial arts world.
Beyond her martial arts endeavors, Iveta is an avid learner and is currently pursuing a degree in business at Simon Fraser University. She is passionate about blending her love for martial arts with her business aspirations, striving to become not only a well-accomplished martial artist but also a successful entrepreneur. In her free time, Iveta enjoys running, working out at the gym, and spending quality time with friends, embodying a well-rounded and balanced approach to life.
Iveta’s journey reflects a deep commitment to personal and professional growth, and her vision for the future is as inspiring as her achievements. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished through dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for excellence.
Michael
If there is one defining quality about Michael, it is the boundless energy he brings to his teaching. His classes are a remarkable blend of intensity and calm focus, creating an environment that inspires and motivates everyone who steps onto the mat. Michael’s ability to channel his passion into his students is unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to train under him. His no-nonsense approach ensures that every class is productive, challenging, and transformative, fostering a culture of discipline and growth.
Beyond his vibrant teaching style, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in physical fitness, specializing in strength and power development. Years of dedication to his personal fitness journey have equipped him with deep insights into the mechanics of strength training and conditioning. This extensive experience allows him to provide tailored guidance to his students, ensuring they maximize their potential and achieve their fitness goals. His commitment to sharing his knowledge is evident in the progress and success of those he coaches.
Currently, Michael is pursuing a career as a police officer with the Vancouver Police Department, aiming to extend his dedication to helping others beyond the classroom. His aspiration to serve and protect his community is a natural extension of his leadership qualities and his passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
In his free time, Michael embraces a variety of interests that reflect his multifaceted personality. He enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, crafting nutritious and delicious meals that fuel his active lifestyle. His dedication to self-improvement continues in the gym, where he hones his physical fitness. Additionally, Michael has a keen interest in financial literacy and spends time researching trading and investing strategies to build a secure future. When it’s time to unwind, he enjoys gaming as a way to relax and recharge.
Michael’s dynamic energy, combined with his expertise in fitness and his commitment to service, makes him a remarkable individual and instructor. Whether he’s leading a high-energy class, preparing for his role in law enforcement, or pursuing his personal interests, Michael embodies discipline, dedication, and a passion for growth in all aspects of life.
Frances
Frances, often referred to as the “Queen of Flexibility” since childhood, is a remarkable martial arts and gymnastics athlete with an impressive history of training and competing on an international stage. Her years of dedication to gymnastics have honed her extraordinary abilities and provided her with a deep well of knowledge in acrobatics, which she now shares with our performance team. Frances brings not only her technical expertise but also an infectious passion for movement and creativity, elevating every performance she contributes to.
Her expertise in choreography adds a unique and transformative dimension to our demo team. Frances has a gift for crafting routines that captivate audiences, combining precision, artistry, and dynamic movement to create awe-inspiring displays. Her ability to weave storytelling and visual impact into performances makes her an invaluable asset to the team and a mentor to aspiring martial artists and performers.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Frances dedicates her free time to continuous self-improvement and personal growth. She is passionate about advancing her flexibility and refining her acrobatic skills, always striving to push the boundaries of what she can achieve. She also values spending quality time with friends, cultivating connections that fuel her vibrant personality. In addition, Frances prioritizes her education, demonstrating the same discipline and focus in her studies that she brings to her athletic pursuits.
Frances is more than just a skilled athlete and performer—she is an inspiring role model, a dedicated team player, and a creative force. Her contributions to the martial arts and performance world reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the mat.
