“Karate Ate-Waza-Kan Valle du Richelieu” is a prestigious martial arts club located in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. Established in 1995 by sensei Richard Jolicoeur, the school has a rich history of promoting health through the practice of karate. Initially situated at the l'Aquarelle primary school in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, the club relocated multiple times between 2008 and 2015 before settling into its current location at the Jordi-Bonet pavilion in Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
The club follows the ATE-WAZA KAN style, which is a modern adaptation of various traditional karate styles such as Shotokan and Kyokushinkai. The philosophy of this style is centred around the belief that every individual deserves encouragement and validation to flourish and grow confidently within their community.
The instructors at Karate Ate-Waza-Kan Valle du Richelieu have extensive experience and expertise in karate. Sensei Richard Jolicoeur began his karate journey at the University of Sherbrooke in Shotokan before joining the Ate-Waza-Kan federation in 1980 under the guidance of senseis Willie Demange and Grald Verville. Having taught in Longueuil from 1984 to 1995, he went on to establish his own school in Mont-Saint-Hilaire in 1995. His dedication to karate has inspired many students and instructors over the years.
One of the notable assistant instructors, Christophe, earned his black belt in 2003 and has been actively involved in teaching at the club since then. Another assistant, Vincent Beaudoin, achieved his black belt with honours in 2016 and has been instrumental in leading classes for beginners and advanced students.
The club offers a structured class schedule, with sessions typically running from mid-January to mid-June at the pavilion Jordi-Bonet. Classes are held on Sunday mornings, catering to participants from the age of six and above. The registration fee for the Winter 2024 session is $120, covering 22 classes (excluding equipment costs and belt test fees). Detailed information on registration and schedules can be found on their website.
The team at Karate Ate-Waza-Kan Valle du Richelieu is committed to providing a safe and encouraging environment for students to learn and grow in their martial arts journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the club welcomes individuals of all backgrounds to join their vibrant karate community.