Heather Drost

​1st Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association 

 

Position at Grand River Karate

GRK Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer and Membership Coordinator

 

Background

Grand River Karate since 2016

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Occupation

Ecologist

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Why I Started

I started training at Grand River Karate in the Kids and Parents Class as an opportunity to join my son in an activity that we could do together. It was an exciting transition when we joined the teen/adult classes together. I realized at that point that karate was going to be a lifelong learning journey and passion.

 

Why I like Shidokan

I appreciate Shidokan and Iha Sensei’s karate for its focus on natural motion. This allows it to be a style that is not only extremely effective for self defence, but can also be adapted to everyone’s body type and can continue to be effective as practitioners age. I also enjoy training at GRK simply for the mental and physical health benefits, the fun, stress-relief, and the friendly community. 

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What I Enjoy About Teaching

With zero martial arts background or familiarity, I was very intimidated when I started training and felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliar motions and techniques. But GRK’s instructors were friendly and helpful and made classes accessible to everyone. I now enjoy the challenge of trying to do the same for others who are just beginning. Teaching others also reminds me that I’ve only just begun to learn. Questions that students ask help me to focus on aspects of a technique that I may not have thought about and they inspire me to keep training and learning.  

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Other Interests

Outdoor sports and adventuring (canoeing, camping, swimming, hiking, cross-country skiing), reading, travelling, and spending time with friends, family, and our dog.