TESTIMONIALS
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For the past 20+ years that I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Hanshi Michael in a variety of capacities. We have worked together as martial art teachers and use of force instructors. Michael is an extremely knowledgeable individual who takes great pride in his work. Michael strives to be the best at his craft; a testament to this is the numerous requests he receives for seminars and workshops. Michael is also a personable individual who interacts easily with his peers and colleagues.
As a martial artist for the past 35 years and a police officer for over 20 years, I have seen and known many instructors; very few have the skill and knowledge that Michael possesses. It is for this reason that I have invited Michael as a guest instructor at many of my functions and that I continue my professional and personal relationship with him.
As a martial artist for the past 35 years and a police officer for over 20 years, I have seen and known many instructors; very few have the skill and knowledge that Michael possesses. It is for this reason that I have invited Michael as a guest instructor at many of my functions and that I continue my professional and personal relationship with him.
Steve Hiscoe
Owner of Hiscoe JiuJiitsu / RCMP
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ACADEMY VIBES
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This dojo is amazing! From the moment you walk in the door you are made to feel like family, very welcoming teachers and a group of students who are as dedicated to helping you grow as they are to their own learning. Under the guidance of Michael Seamark, this place offers practical martial arts in a safe environment free from ego and aggression, and allows people from all walks of life to walk the path of budo.
I have practiced martial arts for 30 years or so and Michael Seamark is not only one of the most talented martial artists I have encountered but also has the ability and charisma to translate that talent to be an amazing teacher. 
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To the KoKoDo Jujutsu family: Thank you for an amazing weekend of Jujutsu, it was "MIND BLOWING" I had a great time and this experience will stick with me until the day of my last breath! The refinement in movement, the connection and unity when applying the technique, the honest screams of pain, the sweat and laughter, the memory of all this that I have on my wrists and the opportunity to meet great people.
I know that the Ramiro that walked out of the dojo today is not the same Ramiro that went into the dojo. I hope I can manage to hone another element to stack my journey of becoming a better human being. Arigatou Gozaimasu 
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I just wanted to thank Hanshi and the Sadohana Dojo for hosting this event. To sum things up it was an amazing weekend! Lots of food, camaraderie, a few drinks and of course the training. Each time I attend Taikai or Gasshuku, I feel that I get more out of it.
It is also a little humbling to know that if could easily take four year to start to understand what I heard and felt. Soke joked that he makes "Upgrades" more often than that- late for the bus again! Take care and I look forward to being back. 
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I've been training at Sadohana for a year and a half now and have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. I practice both KoKoDo JuJutsu and BJJ under Michael Seamark. He provided highly nuanced and technical instruction but communicates it in a way that there's always something to take away no matter what level you're practicing at. The training environment is very relaxed and open, so I would recommend Saohana to anyone who might feel intimidated by training in martial arts.
Also the community here is great! I've made some great friends here and everyone is warm and welcoming. 
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YOGA THERAPY
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I was lucky to be part of one of Diane's corporate yoga classes. So, what make Diane so special? One obvious reason is that her directions are very clear...she uses her lovely voice to ensure that you don't have to be looking at her to do what she says. Diane tailors each class to the needs of the day and to the specific group. Our group always has beginners and long-time practitioners, but we work together, each at our own level. As we go, Diane explains what is happening to the body and some of the benefits you may not notice in the moment. She melds the physical and the spiritual aspects of yoga in a very natural way. The pace and flow of the class suits me perfectly...Diane pushes us to push ourselves, but she does it gently and without judgement. I never feel criticised even when corrected. I have a very high stress job but Wednesday noon is now only available for yoga...everything is scheduled around it. To be sure, Diane's classes are slowly making me more physically confident, better balanced, stronger. Every Wednesday at 1pm I feel refreshed. I've usually sweated. I've centered myself and calmed myself. I've often had a physical/emotional release leading, however temporarily, to feelings of well-being, if not euphoria. Anybody with any sense knows to schedule meetings with me after yoga.
Kathleen Flaherty
Producer, Radio Drama & Features / CBC Vancouver
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Diane is an excellent yoga instructor, she helped and walked me through all the yoga positions, focusing mainly on my back issues and how I could improve my breathing and body posture. I always had an excellent yoga workout at her studio. I used to walk in with so much stress and always left with lots of inner peace and feeling better, more relaxed. The way Diane teaches yoga is so personalized and focuses on each individual's needs. Diane had lots of knowledge and experience, I definitely knew I was in good hands.
Susana Nateras
Wandering Yogi / Le Chat Soaps
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Diane initially taught my students and I was impressed with her willingness and ability to teach yoga; that included breathing techniques and calming lessons to help students be more focussed and energized. Diane then treated my husband for over 10 months whom had a stroke. After assessing Raj's needs, she adjusted the yoga and breathing techniques to address his condition. With her help, Raj has learned to walk with improved balance. This prevents the frequent falls he was experiencing. Moreover, Diane had hi practice diaphragmatic breathing which as reduced his gagging problems. Diane is a qualified teacher and therapist. She is an energetic individual with a positive attitude. She exudes confidence that uplifts people around her. She shows patience and compassion when working with clients. I recommend Diane highly as a member of your organization and wish her all the best.
Om Parmar
Retired Teacher / Burnaby, BC
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I have practised yoga under the watchful eye of Diane Seamark for a number of years. She always amazes me at how knowledgeable she was about the yoga poses and the human body. When she performed the poses you could see the extent of her practice and her passion for yoga. Diane always had the time to correct and instruct so the poses did not cause discomfort to the older or injury plagued students. She is the only teacher I have had that introduced beautiful chants that ended the meditations. I would highly recommend her as a great yoga enthusiast and teacher.
Carol Edlund
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In 2015 I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease which required that I undergo heart bypass surgery. The wait time from diagnosis to a surgery date was 5 months. I was advised to stop all significant physical activity and confine my actions to level walking. My worry was that I would not be ready physically or mentally for the upcoming invasive surgery let alone the months of recovery.
I was introduced to Diane Seamark. A former practicing nurse who turned her attention to yoga therapy and meditation as a more holistic, regular, low impact practice to deal with medical issues rather than the traditional practice of short, irregular doctor visits.
I can say without reservation that Diane made my journey through surgery an easier experience. She is a life coach (I got to share all those nagging thoughts, worries and feelings that come with an unknown and scary medical procedure), an experienced yoga therapist and instructor of 20 years (each session tailored to your day and in anticipation of a surgery that as a former nurse she is familiar with), and a shiatsu masseur (comes in handy when your body is stiff as a board for whatever reason).
Surgery is not in your control. You are the object for which the doctor gets to perform their magic. The opportunity to take some control of your body and mind particularly while in the long wait for surgery is very, very helpful. The ability to reduce stress levels and prepare oneself positively for a major medical procedure can not be underestimated.
I would highly recommend Diane as an experienced instructor who is able to address both the physical and mental aspects of pending surgery or any other medical condition.
I was introduced to Diane Seamark. A former practicing nurse who turned her attention to yoga therapy and meditation as a more holistic, regular, low impact practice to deal with medical issues rather than the traditional practice of short, irregular doctor visits.
I can say without reservation that Diane made my journey through surgery an easier experience. She is a life coach (I got to share all those nagging thoughts, worries and feelings that come with an unknown and scary medical procedure), an experienced yoga therapist and instructor of 20 years (each session tailored to your day and in anticipation of a surgery that as a former nurse she is familiar with), and a shiatsu masseur (comes in handy when your body is stiff as a board for whatever reason).
Surgery is not in your control. You are the object for which the doctor gets to perform their magic. The opportunity to take some control of your body and mind particularly while in the long wait for surgery is very, very helpful. The ability to reduce stress levels and prepare oneself positively for a major medical procedure can not be underestimated.
I would highly recommend Diane as an experienced instructor who is able to address both the physical and mental aspects of pending surgery or any other medical condition.
Doug Robinson
Retired/Volunteer/Part time Consultant / City of Vancouver
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JUJUTSU AND BJJ
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I have so much respect for these women (Chiyoko & Diane)...like two brilliant stars gleaming in the summer night sky, guiding the sailors on their journey...Shine on ladies...Shine one...Respect
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Incredible atmosphere, knowledge and people. Be warned, once you walk through the door there will be no turning back...its' simply that good. Do yourself a favour and give it a try, there will be no regrets
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Sadohana Dojo has enriched my life in every way.
I have been practicing KoKoDo JuJutsu ( one of the arts taught at Sadohana) for about 3 years now and although I had a number of years experience prior to joining the dojo, the teaching I've received from Michael Seamark has been enlightening. The quality of instruction is at the master level and if you are looking for the 'real deal' you'll find it here. Off the mat, the community around the dojo is welcoming, supportive and friendly. It's definitely a family vibe. That's a cliche but it's true. I'm so glad to have these people in my life. Give it a try! 
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It's a rare combination to find someone who is technically proficient in an art yet able to teach it in a clear and engaging manner, but in master instructor Michael Seamark, we have both!
If you are looking for an effective and humane self defense as well as an opportunity to learn how to take care of your health through KoKoDo JuJutsu & Shiatsu, I highly recommend Sadohana. 
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SELF DEFENSE
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Thank you very much for delivering such a powerful and exciting Women's Self Defence Workshop. You kept the students captivated, including myself, with the variety of self-defence techniques and the importance of always being aware of our surroundings. to prevent a potential confrontation.
Your style of communication is unique and very inspiring. It was clear to me that I can do things differently using my body and the power of my voice to protect myself and also practice is the key to succeed in any self-defence technique. It was my pleasure to attend this workshop and I look forward to signing up to the next one. I'd totally recommend this workshop to any woman that wants to increase her self-esteem and feel more empowered.
Your style of communication is unique and very inspiring. It was clear to me that I can do things differently using my body and the power of my voice to protect myself and also practice is the key to succeed in any self-defence technique. It was my pleasure to attend this workshop and I look forward to signing up to the next one. I'd totally recommend this workshop to any woman that wants to increase her self-esteem and feel more empowered.
Susana Nateras
Wandering Yogi / Le Chat Soaps
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