Kyle Lee – Head Instructor

7th Dan, Renshi

Kyle is one of the founder and head instructor of Chinook Kendo Dojo. With over 30 years of Kendo experience and a deep passion for teaching, he brings world-class expertise and a strong mentorship spirit to every class. Kyle has represented Canada on the world stage and continues to lead Alberta’s Kendo development through coaching and community leadership.

🌍 International Experience

World Kendo Championships
- 2024 (Italy) – Associate Coach, Team Canada
- 2021 (France) – Associate Coach, Team Canada
- 2018 (South Korea) – Captain, Team Canada
- 2015 (Japan), 2009 (Brazil) – Team Canada Member

🇨🇦 National Leadership

Canadian National Kendo Championships
- 2023 – Head Coach, Alberta Provincial Team
- 2017 – 🥇 1st Place, Men’s Open
- 2014 – 🥉 3rd Place, Men’s Open
Canadian National Junior Championships
- 1st (2022) & 4th (2025) – Tournament Chair
- 2025–2023 – Head Coach, Alberta Junior Team
- 2022 – Team Manager

🏆 Tournament Highlights

Multiple 1st Place finishes across Canada and the U.S. (Montreal, Edmonton, Ontario, Vancouver, Steveston, Alberta, Saskatoon, Cleveland)

🛡️ Coaching & Safety Certifications

National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) — #6611276
- Coach Initiation in Sport
- Creating a Positive Sport Environment & Safe Sport (Rule of Two)
- Athlete Health & Safety (Concussion Protocol - Making Head Way, Emergency Action Plan)
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certified

Noah (Minsouk) Yu – Assistant Instructor

6th Dan

Noah brings a wealth of elite competitive experience, technical mastery, and high-energy mentorship from South Korea to Chinook Kendo Dojo. With a distinguished professional and provincial background in Korea, he specializes in advanced tournament sparring strategies, technical precision, and instilling a resilient martial spirit in students of all levels.

🇰🇷 Korea Career & Highlights

Former Professional Athlete: Gwangmyeong City Hall & Suwon City Hall Kendo Teams
Former Coach: Seongbuk-gu Office Kendo Team
Former Captain: Saebit Kendo Team
Former Seoul Metropolitan City Representative
Numerous championship titles and podium finishes across major national tournaments in South Korea

🇨🇦 Recent Canadian Highlights

2025 Ontario Senior Kendo Championships – 🥇 1st Place (4-Dan & Above)
2025 Alberta Open Kendo Championships – 🥇 1st Place (Men's Open)

Octavian Cismas – Assistant Instructor

4th Dan

Octavian brings deep dedication, precision, and foundational expertise to Chinook Kendo Dojo. With valuable international administrative experience and a disciplined approach, he focuses on mastering core fundamentals and creating a supportive, welcoming environment for students developing their basics.

🏛️ Leadership & Experience

Former President, Romanian Kendo Federation (CRK)
Core fundamentals and technical posture development
Dedicated instruction and mentorship for beginner & intermediate practitioners

Cecilia Lee – Assistant Instructor

3rd Dan

Cecilia is committed to fostering an encouraging, structured, and empowering training environment at Chinook Kendo Dojo. She plays an essential role in welcoming new practitioners and leading fundamental training, with a special passion for mentoring beginner students and supporting women in Kendo.

🌸 Focus & Leadership

Fundamental basics and form development
Beginner training & student onboarding
Women’s Kendo mentorship and community building