Our Team
Thory Tessem
From an introductory Shotokan course at my elementary school, watching Sho Kosugi, Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Van Damme and Arnold, to sparring with friends of many styles, I began my journey into studying the body at an early age.
At 12, my career path was apparently to "teach people how to exercise, eat well and be healthy". I read every body building and sports nutrition book and magazine I could get my hands on. I trained with cheap barbells in my basement. At 16, I began my formal martial arts training in Hapkido, which would further shape my desire to learn and train. At 17 I got my first real gym membership. Being exposed to the hard and soft aspects of the human body, I saw the potential for making the body strong, flexible and vibrant.
Smelling burning "moxa" from the small office in the studio was my first experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. A decade of training and security work later, I decided to pursue the healing aspects in depth, studying at the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACATCM) in Calgary. After further study and clinical work in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, I returned to Calgary and became a licensed acupuncturist.
After years of working in a clinical environment and training martial arts and fitness with many other talented people, I am bringing it all together under one roof.
Ian Macdonald
Master Ian has trained extensively in the Martial and Combative Arts for over 40 years. In this time, Master Ian has achieved the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt / Certified and Appointed Master Instructor of Hap Ki Do under The International Modern Hapkido Federation, as well. He is also a Lifetime Member and Recognized Instructor of The National Korean Martial Arts Association.
Master Ian has worked for over 25 years in the Private / Contract Security and Protection Industry as a Field Operator / Executive Protection Agent, as well as a Security Management, Operations and Procedures Consultant. Master Ian formerly served as the Lead Training Coordinator and Instructor for one of Canada’s Largest Private Security Providers.
Master Ian has served as the Director of Training Operations, Unarmed Combat / Defensive Tactics Instructor for several Law Enforcement and Premier Security Agencies in Canada.
