Chief Master Gee

Master GeeMaster Instructor Mark Gildemeester has been training and teaching in the martial arts for more than 30 years. He holds an 8th level Black Belt from the Canadian Martial Arts Federation, with multiple Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Jiu Jitsu, Modern Ninjutsu and Kickboxing. He is committed to a lifetime of study and is forever learning.

Master Gee holds the designation of Grand Master and lends his expertise to supporting management excellence for martial arts businesses across North America, sitting as the Canadian representative on the advisory board for the Educational Funding Company and the American Martial Arts Organization.

The proudest moments in Master Gee’s life have always revolved around family and martial arts, and he has successfully brought the two together in his family-run martial arts academy. He is very grateful for the role he plays every day in helping students reach their goals, working alongside his wife, daughter and son.

Fun fact: Years ago, Master Gee worked high above the concert floor as a spotlight operator for dozens of rock shows, including Pink Floyd. He has maintained a healthy respect for heights and recently stepped outside on top of the highest building in the world in China.

Master Mrs. Gee

Mrs. GeeRobyn Gildemeester is an accomplished multi-style martial arts expert who holds a 6th Degree CMAF Black Belt and associate degrees in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Jiu Jitsu and Modern Ninjutsu.

A Master Instructor and BCPRA personal fitness trainer, Mrs. Gee teaches adult martial arts classes at the academy. She is also the creator and leader of Master Gee’s exclusive Fight Fit program. Certified as a Body Detective, Mrs. Gee operates her own healing space at the academy, providing  bodywork services to students and other clients.

Fun fact: In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Mrs. Gee worked as a stunt performer in Vancouver’s film industry. In recent years, she has provided bodywork services to martial arts icon/actor Steven Seagal and his family.

Master Gee

Mr. GeeAs the son of Master and Mrs. Gee, Tarl Gildemeester was destined to become a martial artist. He grew up in the dojo, beginning his martial arts training at the age of three. Currently, Mr. Gee holds a 4th degree Black Belt and is the CMAF Provincial Grand Champion in Men’s Black Belt sparring (2009, 2011, 2013-2016). Outside of the academy, he enjoys hockey and soccer.

Favourite quote: “Falling down is how we grow; staying down is how we die.” – Brian Vaszily

 

Mr. Power

Mr. PowerD.J. Power is a popular instructor among our youngest students because of his kind and encouraging approach to martial arts. Mr. Power began training at Master Gee’s in 2005 and is currently working toward his 2nd Degree Black Belt. When he’s not teaching at the academy, Mr. Power likes to play bass guitar and drums. And in spite of his expertise in self-defense techniques, he’s regularly defeated in battle by his cat “Bubbles”.

Favourite quote: “If you break your fall with your arm, you’ll break your arm with your fall.”

Ms. Tasha

Ms. TashaWhether you call the academy or walk in the front door, chances are you’ll be greeted first by Tasha Gildemeester, the office manager at Master Gee’s. As the daughter of Master and Mrs. Gee, Ms. Tasha began her martial arts training at a very early age and currently holds a 1st degree Black Belt. In addition to her administrative role at Master Gee’s, Ms. Tasha also occasionally leads Fight Fit classes. Ms. Tasha devotes much of her time to her son Nikko, who is currently enrolled in the academy as a Tiger student. She also enjoys music, festivals, camping, science fiction and metaphysics.

Favourite quote: “We only accept the love we think we deserve.” – Stephen Chbosky

Instructors

Students seeking additional leadership opportunities can apply to become Assistant Instructors at Master Gee’s. After successfully completing an instructor training program taught by Master Gee, assistant instructors are able to help teach classes under the supervision of a staff instructor. Currently, Master Gee’s team of assistant instructors includes:

  • Mr. Haile
    Mr. Haile
  • Ms. Jiang
    Ms. Jiang
  • Ms. Tomei
    Ms. Tomei
  • Mr. Trapnell
    Mr. Trapnell
  • Mr. Weiler
    Mr. Weiler