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Karate with Aoife is proud to declare we have taken the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) pledge, which is a call to action for sport organizations, parents, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada - on and off the field. Our club is committed to the Three Steps to Responsible Coaching by practicing the Rule of Two, completing Background Checks, and ensuring coaches/volunteers complete Ethics Training. The Responsible Coaching Movement helps participants and coaches benefit fully from sport participation in a safe, healthy, and fun environment.

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Assistant Instructors play a key role in helping students grow with confidence, skill, and respect. They assist with classes, provide guidance, and ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone in the dojo.

All Assistant Instructors are required to be VIP Coaches, meaning they meet the minimum coaching standards. To be part of the VIP program, coaches must:
  • Complete ​CAC Safe Sport Training to ensure a safe and respectful environment.
  • Complete CAC Mental Health in Sport training to support the well-being of all students.
  • Complete NCCP Make Ethical Decisions, either in class or online.
  • Complete NCCP Making Head Way, focusing on concussion awareness.
  • Submit a Criminal Record Check completed within the last 6 months.

If you are interested in becoming an assistant instructor please take a look at our Coaches Handbook.

Heather MacLaren

Club Manager
Heather started training in karate last year, but she has been involved in the karate community for over six years through her son’s journey in the sport. Heather brings her organizational skills and experience to every class and event.
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She provides valuable support in the club and at tournaments, always ready to be an extra set of hands, ensuring everything runs smoothly for both students and instructors. Heather also helps with the Little Ninjas and Little Dragons classes, ensuring we maintain the Rule of Two and that all young students receive safe, attentive guidance.
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In addition, Heather is a great support to parents, helping explain the sport, the classes, and the tournament process so families feel confident and informed.

​Evalyn Farrell

Assistant Instructor
Evalyn is an Assistant Instructor and accomplished competitive karate athlete. She has earned gold at the Montreal Open and multiple medals at the Atlantic Championships and Grand Prix events, demonstrating consistent high-level performance on the competitive stage.

Evalyn is currently a member of the PEI Provincial Team and proudly represented the province at the 2026 U21 & Senior National Championships. She is now training toward qualifying for Team PEI at the 2027 Canada Games in Quebec City.
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As an Assistant Instructor, she brings strong technical skill, valuable competitive experience, and a positive leadership presence to the club. Evalyn serves as an inspiring role model for developing athletes, demonstrating the discipline, work ethic, and mindset required to perform at a high level.

Joshbir Roy

Assistant Instructor
Joshbir is an Assistant Instructor and an accomplished kata athlete with experience competing at the national level. He represented his province at the 2023 Canada Games and has competed at multiple Karate Canada National Championships, demonstrating strong technical skill, discipline, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Joshbir brings this high-performance experience into the club, helping students develop precise technique, strong fundamentals, and confidence in their training. As an Assistant Instructor, he supports athletes of all levels with patience, attention to detail, and a passion for helping others grow in their karate journey.

Adrian Desbarats

Assistant Instructor
Adrian is a brown belt in Chito Ryu Karate with over 40 years of martial arts experience, including boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Krav Maga. His approach to self defence is based on the belief that there is no single perfect formula; instead, effective self defence combines practical elements from different disciplines to suit each individual.
Through training with Evolution Self Defense in Halifax and workshops with internationally recognized instructor Randy King, Adrian has developed a teaching approach focused on real-world application. His instruction emphasizes understanding different types of violence, recognizing warning signs, using de-escalation strategies, managing distance, and applying simple, effective techniques that work under stress.
Adrian helps participants build confidence, awareness, and practical counter-ambush and escape skills, recognizing that self defence is personal and not one-size-fits-all.

Emelie Farrell

Assistant Instructor - In Training
Emelie is one of our Assistant Instructors in Training. A committed kata athlete, she leads by example through her focus, discipline, and positive attitude on the floor.

Emelie has competed and medalled on the Atlantic stage and at the Montreal Open in kata, demonstrating both technical skill and composure under pressure.
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She is currently developing her coaching skills while continuing to strengthen her own balance and core control, bringing patience and attention to detail to every class she supports. 

Eamonn Mullen

Guest Instructor
Eamonn Mullen joins us every so often as a Guest Instructor, bringing strong competitive experience and a passion for kata performance. He has earned medals across Atlantic Canada and competed at the Montreal Open, demonstrating technical precision and competitive composure.
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Eamonn is currently training toward his black belt while also preparing to try out for Team PEI for the 2027 Canada Games in Quebec City. His dedication to continuous improvement, combined with his competitive experience, makes him an inspiring example for developing athletes.