Sensei Ingrid Dordar - Fourth Degree Black Belt, North American Champion in Kickboxing, Co-Owner and Head Instructor of Champions Martial Arts Academy. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The youngest of four children, Dordar was born and raised in Chile until age 13, when her family immigrated to Canada. Values such as loyalty, courage and discipline laid a solid foundation for her to accomplish many goals at an early age. Once in Canada Sensei Dordar embraced the opportunity to train in the martial arts in 1983.

Today, with over 20 years of training and instructing experience and a background in health and fitness, Sensei Dordar is a fourth degree black belt martial artist, Co-Owner and Head Instructor of one of the largest and most successful martial arts schools in North America, Champions Martial Arts Academy. As a competitor, Dordar earned numerous titles such as B.C. Kickboxing Champion (1987), Canadian Kickboxing Champion (1987), Japanese Shootboxing Champion (1988) and North American Free Style Champion, WKA (1994).

Dordar has become an icon for Women in martial arts on a number of levels, and has led the way for many female fighters to follow in her footsteps. Among her many accomplishments, Sensei Dordar was the first female fighter to travel from Canada to Japan to compete and win the Shootboxing Championship in Tokyo, Japan (1988), and was formally recognized as the "Best Female Fighter of the Year" (WKA 1993). Dordar has revolutionized Martial Arts for women in British Columbia and around the world by providing equal opportunity for women to learn self defense, self discipline and to increase their self confidence. Consequently, she has gone from being the only female student in 1983, to having almost half of her classes attended by women today.

A gifted instructor, Dordar leads by example to bring out the best in all her students. "I truly believe that women owe it to themselves to stay in shape, stay strong and stay confident. There are many facts and statistics for why this is important; however, the most important is the growing need for women and children to protect themselves in today's violent world. Defending your child or your own life is not about physical strength; it is about having a Black Belt attitude. You become a fighter within by experiencing obstacles, pain, tears, joy, and accomplishment. A Black Belt attitude is everything; it will allow you to mentally and physically fight for your right to live a safe life and empower you to survive anything that comes your way" says Sensei Dordar.

Her extensive background and knowledge of human psychology, fitness and nutrition also contribute to her expertise in Martial Arts. Always seeking knowledge, Dordar regularly attends conferences across North America relating to stress in the work place, first aid, and conflict resolution for children, youth and adults. Sensei Dordar also personally conducts seminars on Bullying and Self Defense to audiences across North America, and is a regular guest on the internationally syndicated radio program, Radio Martial Arts. Sensei Dordar continues to strive for personal growth and is involved in Championsway Ent. providing on site consulting to Martial Arts school around North America.

Her future goals are to expand the Champions Martial Arts Academy family into a franchise operation.