David Dash - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Bootcamp Instructor David Dash was born in 1966 in the city of Iserlohn, Germany. His father was a Canadian soldier at the time and his mother a German citizen. The following year the Dash family moved to Canada and settled in Ottawa. In 1994 David moved to Vancouver where he lived with his wife and children until 2006. A year after his arrival in Vancouver he bought a cellular store and began his new career. Over the next 10 years David grew the business from one location and two employees to 3 locations, a corporate sales department and twenty employees. David sold the company to a private buyer in January 2007 and moved back to Ottawa with his family. David was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for 25 years. He served in the Navy for 5 years and the Army for the other 20. In the Navy he held the position of a Naval Combat Information Operator, serving time on HMCS Fraser a Canadian destroyer and later becoming a Navy Diver. In the army he served as an Infantry Officer retiring at the rank of Captain. As part of his commitment to life long learning and entrepreneurship he was a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) for ten years. He served on the Ottawa board for three years completing his final year as Chapter President. He currently serves as a mentor to EO Ottawa members. David graduated from Carleton University with a BA in History/Political Science and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT in Boston, Mass., USA. As a youth, David was involved in Judo, Boxing and Tae Kwon Do, attaining a blue belt in the latter. As an adult he has trained in Freestyle Karate where he has earned his Low Black Belt. He has also trained in Thailand and Canada in the Muay Thai style of Kickboxing. David began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training under Professor Marcus Soares in Vancouver and then later after moving to Ottawa with the Renzo Gracie Team. He has also trained with the Infight team in Regina under Jeff Wiley, Omar Salvosa at Salvosa BJJ Team Ascension in Toronto, Koji Murakami at the BJJ Montreal Revolution Team and recently with Silvio Braga in Hong Kong. David continues his training with the Carlson Gracie Team and was awarded his BJJ blue belt by Professor Soares on November 26, 2009 in Vancouver. In January 2010 Zen Martial Arts became the official Carlson Gracie affiliate school in Ottawa. David's newest venture in opening Zen Martial Arts has allowed him to blend his personal passion for Martial Arts and his entrepreneurial skills to launch a company that is focused on helping people achieve a healthy balance in their lives in mind, body and spirit. His other focus is to work to reduce poverty and human suffering at home and in developing nations by building stronger communities. David is proud to have been a member of a Homes of Hope team that built a home in Ensenada, Mexico, for a poor family in 2005 and continues to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Amnesty International. Sensei Bernardo Barajas-Garrido - Karate and Little Samurai Instructor Born in Mexico City in 1970, he spent his childhood in Ecuador where he was introduced to the world of Martial Arts for the first time at the age of 6. His journey began with some self-defense classes in the American College he was attending while living in Ecuador. A few years later, his family returned to Mexico and he started training Karate Do in the Tlalocan Karate Do academy while attending secondary school. Shortly after this, through the mother of one of his friends he discovered Kung Fu; her brother had just come back from China along with his Sifu, a Shaolin monk that wanted to bring Shaolin Kung-Fu to Mexico. He trained Shaolin Kung-fu for 10 years under Sifu Wu’s wing in the Second Order of the Yellow Dragon temple established in Mexico. After this period, Sifu Wu left the country and Antonio Salas became the Sifu of the school that later became the Institute of Taoist Studies. Under Sifu Salas Sensei Bernardo studied another 4 years. Three years into his training, Sensei Bernardo was called into the Mexican Army where he did his one year of military service as a paratrooper and trained and learned unarmed combat. Being a big enthusiast of outdoor adventures, and a Rescue Scuba Diver, his skills were tested in real life while exploring different jungles, seas and other unpopulated places where he needed to protect himself against marauders. Also at this time, he was a Scout leader and taught martial arts to the adolescents and kids of his scout group. Upon his arrival to Canada in 1995, he searched for a school where he could enrich his experience in the world of the martial arts. For a year he practiced Tae Kwon Do and Aikido simultaneously at the University of Ottawa. At the end of the year, he went back to Mexico to present his B.A. thesis on non-verbal and interpersonal communication. After his professional exam, he was approached to work as an adventure tour developer for a couple of years, helping to establish an eco-tour company. While doing so, he continued to pursue Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira. During the next 2 years he lived and trained with Capoeira Mestre Iñaki G. Frizzi, who was also part of his Shaolin School and sparring group, which continued gathering for training and sparring. While working on his masters in Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa, he went back to train Tae Kwon Do. After finishing his Masters, he did another Masters in Modern Languages and started teaching Spanish at the University of Ottawa and other places. He is currently working on a book of his own. Sensei Bernardo sees his interaction with martial arts like the ebbing of the tide, some times high, some times low but always present. Prior to the opening of Zen in the Fall of 2007 he trained at a Karate school in Vancouver achieving his black belt and instructor certification. Upon completion of his training he moved back to Ottawa to join David as an instructor and help with the set-up of Zen Martial Arts and Fitness. Sensei Bernardo currently has a Black Belt 3rd Dan in Freestyle Karate. Anisha Patel - Manager, Membership Sales and Support, Yoga Instructor Anisha Patel was born in city of Nairobi, Kenya where she lived up until the age of 18. In 2005, she moved to Canada to further her studies at Carleton University. Her interest in the arts, business and science led her to complete her BSc in biology and biotechnology with a minor in psychology in April 2010. While growing up in Kenya, she was introduced to yoga which she continues to practice on a weekly basis. Since her journey began in yoga, she has been interested in understanding and experiencing the connection between energy, mind, body and spirit. In Canada, she was introduced to meditation techniques and through its practice she witnessed a transformation in her attitude and approach towards life’s challenges. Anisha continues to practice her meditation on a daily basis either by herself or in groups. Anisha was introduced to Karate, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Zen Martial Arts. In addition to her administrative responsibilities she attends classes in both disciplines. The practice of martial art is for her a chance to deepen her understanding of energy, will power and determination. She believes Martial Arts and Yoga are a natural blend since both require hard work, patience, and perseverance. The practice of these arts have helped build these traits within herself. Anisha has completed the 200 hour teacher training program at Orleans Yoga Shala and is a certified Yoga instructor through the Yoga Alliance Program. Anisha has also attended many seminars and completed courses in the finance and insurance industry. Her long term goal is to continue her studies and specialize in sustainable environments in the hopes that she can one day share the knowledge with those that will benefit. Ryan Murray - Kickboxing, Bootcamp and Strength and Conditioning Instructor Born in Moncton N.B., Ryan was introduced to martial arts at a young age, studying and attaining high ranks in Judo, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do before the age of 12. In addition to martial arts training Ryan also remained active in various other sports competing at the provincial level in both hockey and football, as well as being a former nationally ranked Wrestler. Ryan is also an accomplished practitioner of a Korean martial art know as Haidong Gumdo (Korean fencing). A few years ago, as a result of his dedication to his training he was given the opportunity to travel to Korea to learn and teach this art as well as represent Canada at the 2004 World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Upon his return home to Canada, Ryan recognized that he had developed a passion for languages from his travels abroad. To further advance this passion he moved to Ottawa to attend the linguistics program at the University of Ottawa. Despite his love of languages after 3 semesters Ryan decided that linguistics just wasn’t the right fit for him, and transferred over to the Human Kinetics department where he rediscovered his love for fitness. Ryan has completed a certified personal trainer’s course, and has been training clients professionally for two years. Now, after living in Ottawa for almost 5 years, Ryan splits most of his time between training and his own leisure activities which include various martial arts such as Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Olympic style boxing, and training for his second Marathon. In the future, he plans to complete an ironman race, to test and push his fitness level to a whole new plateau. Ryan currently teaches both Kickboxing and Bootcamp classes at Zen. Ryan brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for fitness to every person he trains. He uses a fun, high energy style with attention to proper form and applied technique to ensure that everyone gets a great workout, and the results they are looking for. Laura Walker-Ng - Bootcamp Instructor An Ottawa native, Laura has been actively engaged in sports since a very young age. She has played soccer for the last eighteen years and trained in Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. In Spring, 2009, she obtained her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa, all the while working for the city as a youth counselor. An avid swimmer, cyclist and runner, Laura has completed many races including two half marathons and most recently participated in the Spartan race, a 5km event with challenging obstacles! Laura gained a new appreciation for sports excellence during her job contract with Own the Podium. It was here that she met professionals of all levels who, like herself, mandate healthy living through sports participation. Laura is especially excited about Bootcamp as she loves to combine working out with the great outdoors. She is currently completing her certification with CanFitPro for personal training and kettlebell instruction. Laura's involvement in volunteer fundraising activities for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa and the Canadian Diabetes Association have provided her with outlets for her creative event planning skills. Her passion and talent in photography have been appreciated by many. Laura loves a new challenge and there can never be too many. She hopes to impart her dedication and passion for bootcamp to all participants while convincing them that it can indeed be fun! Terri Boszormeny - Summer Camp Director Terri was born in Belleville, Ontario where she grew up loving sports. She played ice hockey, volleyball and basketball all through school. She has always been very passionate about teaching children the importance of healthy living. Terri graduated from Loyalist College with a Recreational Leisure Services Diploma. While at College she played varsity basketball and volunteered to run the intramural programs. She also received her Level 1 Theory Coaching Certificate while helping coach High School basketball and volleyball teams. Terri’s passion for teaching children grew when she moved to Ottawa and worked at a group home and then at Aladin Childcare Services. While working at the daycare she took Early Childhood Education classes at Algonquin College, so she could better understand children’s development. Her responsibilities as head teacher included developing and implementing programs to promote and enhance autonomy, self-help skills and creativity. She worked at Aladin for 6 years, with children ages 18 months to 12 years. While working at Aladin, Terri took courses and gained certificates in the areas of children’s stress relief and how to get children to understand the importance of fair play. Terri decided to leave Aladin Childcare to be a stay at home mom. While at home she opened her own home daycare called Happily Ever After. After her second child, Terri decided to devote her time to her 2 beautiful girls, supply teaching and aiding her husband in some administrative duties for his security business.

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David Dash - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Bootcamp Instructor

David Dash was born in 1966 in the city of Iserlohn, Germany. His father was a Canadian soldier at the time and his mother a German citizen. The following year the Dash family moved to Canada and settled in Ottawa.

In 1994 David moved to Vancouver where he lived with his wife and children until 2006. A year after his arrival in Vancouver he bought a cellular store and began his new career. Over the next 10 years David grew the business from one location and two employees to 3 locations, a corporate sales department and twenty employees. David sold the company to a private buyer in January 2007 and moved back to Ottawa with his family.

David was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for 25 years. He served in the Navy for 5 years and the Army for the other 20. In the Navy he held the position of a Naval Combat Information Operator, serving time on HMCS Fraser a Canadian destroyer and later becoming a Navy Diver. In the army he served as an Infantry Officer retiring at the rank of Captain.

As part of his commitment to life long learning and entrepreneurship he was a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) for ten years. He served on the Ottawa board for three years completing his final year as Chapter President. He currently serves as a mentor to EO Ottawa members.

David graduated from Carleton University with a BA in History/Political Science and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT in Boston, Mass., USA.

As a youth, David was involved in Judo, Boxing and Tae Kwon Do, attaining a blue belt in the latter. As an adult he has trained in Freestyle Karate where he has earned his Low Black Belt. He has also trained in Thailand and Canada in the Muay Thai style of Kickboxing.

David began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training under Professor Marcus Soares in Vancouver and then later after moving to Ottawa with the Renzo Gracie Team. He has also trained with the Infight team in Regina under Jeff Wiley, Omar Salvosa at Salvosa BJJ Team Ascension in Toronto, Koji Murakami at the BJJ Montreal Revolution Team and recently with Silvio Braga in Hong Kong. David continues his training with the Carlson Gracie Team and was awarded his BJJ blue belt by Professor Soares on November 26, 2009 in Vancouver. In January 2010 Zen Martial Arts became the official Carlson Gracie affiliate school in Ottawa.

David's newest venture in opening Zen Martial Arts has allowed him to blend his personal passion for Martial Arts and his entrepreneurial skills to launch a company that is focused on helping people achieve a healthy balance in their lives in mind, body and spirit.

His other focus is to work to reduce poverty and human suffering at home and in developing nations by building stronger communities. David is proud to have been a member of a Homes of Hope team that built a home in Ensenada, Mexico, for a poor family in 2005 and continues to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Amnesty International.

Sensei Bernardo Barajas-Garrido - Karate and Little Samurai Instructor

Born in Mexico City in 1970, he spent his childhood in Ecuador where he was introduced to the world of Martial Arts for the first time at the age of 6. His journey began with some self-defense classes in the American College he was attending while living in Ecuador. A few years later, his family returned to Mexico and he started training Karate Do in the Tlalocan Karate Do academy while attending secondary school. Shortly after this, through the mother of one of his friends he discovered Kung Fu; her brother had just come back from China along with his Sifu, a Shaolin monk that wanted to bring Shaolin Kung-Fu to Mexico.

He trained Shaolin Kung-fu for 10 years under Sifu Wu’s wing in the Second Order of the Yellow Dragon temple established in Mexico. After this period, Sifu Wu left the country and Antonio Salas became the Sifu of the school that later became the Institute of Taoist Studies. Under Sifu Salas Sensei Bernardo studied another 4 years. Three years into his training, Sensei Bernardo was called into the Mexican Army where he did his one year of military service as a paratrooper and trained and learned unarmed combat.

Being a big enthusiast of outdoor adventures, and a Rescue Scuba Diver, his skills were tested in real life while exploring different jungles, seas and other unpopulated places where he needed to protect himself against marauders. Also at this time, he was a Scout leader and taught martial arts to the adolescents and kids of his scout group.

Upon his arrival to Canada in 1995, he searched for a school where he could enrich his experience in the world of the martial arts. For a year he practiced Tae Kwon Do and Aikido simultaneously at the University of Ottawa. At the end of the year, he went back to Mexico to present his B.A. thesis on non-verbal and interpersonal communication. After his professional exam, he was approached to work as an adventure tour developer for a couple of years, helping to establish an eco-tour company. While doing so, he continued to pursue Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira. During the next 2 years he lived and trained with Capoeira Mestre Iñaki G. Frizzi, who was also part of his Shaolin School and sparring group, which continued gathering for training and sparring.

While working on his masters in Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa, he went back to train Tae Kwon Do. After finishing his Masters, he did another Masters in Modern Languages and started teaching Spanish at the University of Ottawa and other places. He is currently working on a book of his own. Sensei Bernardo sees his interaction with martial arts like the ebbing of the tide, some times high, some times low but always present.

Prior to the opening of Zen in the Fall of 2007 he trained at a Karate school in Vancouver achieving his black belt and instructor certification. Upon completion of his training he moved back to Ottawa to join David as an instructor and help with the set-up of Zen Martial Arts and Fitness. Sensei Bernardo currently has a Black Belt 3rd Dan in Freestyle Karate.

Anisha Patel - Manager, Membership Sales and Support, Yoga Instructor

Anisha Patel was born in city of Nairobi, Kenya where she lived up until the age of 18. In 2005, she moved to Canada to further her studies at Carleton University. Her interest in the arts, business and science led her to complete her BSc in biology and biotechnology with a minor in psychology in April 2010. While growing up in Kenya, she was introduced to yoga which she continues to practice on a weekly basis. Since her journey began in yoga, she has been interested in understanding and experiencing the connection between energy, mind, body and spirit.

In Canada, she was introduced to meditation techniques and through its practice she witnessed a transformation in her attitude and approach towards life’s challenges. Anisha continues to practice her meditation on a daily basis either by herself or in groups.

Anisha was introduced to Karate, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Zen Martial Arts. In addition to her administrative responsibilities she attends classes in both disciplines. The practice of martial art is for her a chance to deepen her understanding of energy, will power and determination. She believes Martial Arts and Yoga are a natural blend since both require hard work, patience, and perseverance. The practice of these arts have helped build these traits within herself. Anisha has completed the 200 hour teacher training program at Orleans Yoga Shala and is a certified Yoga instructor through the Yoga Alliance Program.

Anisha has also attended many seminars and completed courses in the finance and insurance industry. Her long term goal is to continue her studies and specialize in sustainable environments in the hopes that she can one day share the knowledge with those that will benefit.

Ryan Murray - Kickboxing, Bootcamp and Strength and Conditioning Instructor

Born in Moncton N.B., Ryan was introduced to martial arts at a young age, studying and attaining high ranks in Judo, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do before the age of 12. In addition to martial arts training Ryan also remained active in various other sports competing at the provincial level in both hockey and football, as well as being a former nationally ranked Wrestler. Ryan is also an accomplished practitioner of a Korean martial art know as Haidong Gumdo (Korean fencing). A few years ago, as a result of his dedication to his training he was given the opportunity to travel to Korea to learn and teach this art as well as represent Canada at the 2004 World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Upon his return home to Canada, Ryan recognized that he had developed a passion for languages from his travels abroad. To further advance this passion he moved to Ottawa to attend the linguistics program at the University of Ottawa. Despite his love of languages after 3 semesters Ryan decided that linguistics just wasn’t the right fit for him, and transferred over to the Human Kinetics department where he rediscovered his love for fitness. Ryan has completed a certified personal trainer’s course, and has been training clients professionally for two years. Now, after living in Ottawa for almost 5 years, Ryan splits most of his time between training and his own leisure activities which include various martial arts such as Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Olympic style boxing, and training for his second Marathon. In the future, he plans to complete an ironman race, to test and push his fitness level to a whole new plateau. Ryan currently teaches both Kickboxing and Bootcamp classes at Zen. Ryan brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for fitness to every person he trains. He uses a fun, high energy style with attention to proper form and applied technique to ensure that everyone gets a great workout, and the results they are looking for.

Laura Walker-Ng - Bootcamp Instructor

An Ottawa native, Laura has been actively engaged in sports since a very young age. She has played soccer for the last eighteen years and trained in Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. In Spring, 2009, she obtained her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa, all the while working for the city as a youth counselor. An avid swimmer, cyclist and runner, Laura has completed many races including two half marathons and most recently participated in the Spartan race, a 5km event with challenging obstacles! Laura gained a new appreciation for sports excellence during her job contract with Own the Podium. It was here that she met professionals of all levels who, like herself, mandate healthy living through sports participation. Laura is especially excited about Bootcamp as she loves to combine working out with the great outdoors. She is currently completing her certification with CanFitPro for personal training and kettlebell instruction. Laura's involvement in volunteer fundraising activities for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa and the Canadian Diabetes Association have provided her with outlets for her creative event planning skills. Her passion and talent in photography have been appreciated by many. Laura loves a new challenge and there can never be too many. She hopes to impart her dedication and passion for bootcamp to all participants while convincing them that it can indeed be fun!

Terri Boszormeny - Summer Camp Director
Terri was born in Belleville, Ontario where she grew up loving sports. She played ice hockey, volleyball and basketball all through school. She has always been very passionate about teaching children the importance of healthy living.
Terri graduated from Loyalist College with a Recreational Leisure Services Diploma. While at College she played varsity basketball and volunteered to run the intramural programs. She also received her Level 1 Theory Coaching Certificate while helping coach High School basketball and volleyball teams.
Terri’s passion for teaching children grew when she moved to Ottawa and worked at a group home and then at Aladin Childcare Services. While working at the daycare she took Early Childhood Education classes at Algonquin College, so she could better understand children’s development. Her responsibilities as head teacher included developing and implementing programs to promote and enhance autonomy, self-help skills and creativity. She worked at Aladin for 6 years, with children ages 18 months to 12 years. While working at Aladin, Terri took courses and gained certificates in the areas of children’s stress relief and how to get children to understand the importance of fair play.
Terri decided to leave Aladin Childcare to be a stay at home mom. While at home she opened her own home daycare called Happily Ever After. After her second child, Terri decided to devote her time to her 2 beautiful girls, supply teaching and aiding her husband in some administrative duties for his security business.

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