Canada’s own Adette Rice shares what it means to be a martial art school owner with a passion for teaching and martial arts. Driftwood Martial Arts bears the distinction of being amongst one of the first full time, professional, Canadian martial arts studios to be opened by and run solely by a female instructor.
Click on the link below to listen to her interview:
Biography:
With a passion for teaching and a natural talent for martial arts, Adette felt a strong desire to break down the gender barriers and change the public impression of martial arts training. She set out to create a learning environment in which all members could feel welcome, supported and accepted. Since opening the doors in 1999 Adette has positioned Driftwood Martial Arts as the premier training centre in Kitchener/Waterloo and a top school in the province of Ontario.
Before opening her studio Adette was an avid and highly successful competitor winning several national and world championships. After retiring from competition Adette put her focus on developing champions amongst her own students with great success. Her students continue to perform at the highest level both nationally and internationally.
Community Involvement
A key area of focus for Adette is community involvement. Here are just a few of the local organizations that have benefited from the instruction provided by Adette and her instructors:
- Waterloo Regional Board of Education
- K/W Detox
- Grand River Hospital
- KW Accessibility
- Regal Capital Planners
- The City of Waterloo
Adette feels honoured to be able to serve the Kitchener/Waterloo community and uses the profile and people power of Driftwood Martial Arts to raise money and awareness for local and national charitable organizations. Adette has partnered with:
- The Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative
- Breast Cancer Action and Support of KW
- Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Camp Oochigaes
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
Beginnings
Her training began training in Hamilton, Ontario under the direction of Sensei Layton Morrison in 1990. In the years that followed she would have the honour and privilege of training with some of the worlds most notable instructors including: O’ Sensei Richard Kim, Morio Higaonna, Fumio Demura, Patrick McCarthy, Tetsuhiro Hokama, Ramon Veras, Peter Urban, Larry Hartsell, Joe Lewis, Bill Wallace, Rusty McMains, Devorah Dometrich, Don Warrener, Gary Legacy, and Carlos Montalvo.
Rank and Training
Adette currently holds the rank of 7th dan in Goju Ryu and continues to train under Carlos Montalvo Hanshi. She is constantly working to expand her knowledge through seminars and workshops and has had the privilege of hosting some of the worlds most renowned instructors. Adette also travels extensively to seek out instruction and training from the world’s best.
Adette continues to work tirelessly to dispel many of the stereotypes associated with the martial arts. Adette has developed and implemented several highly successful programs including the KidSafe Advantage Program, the Success Advantage Program and Freedom From Fear Women’s Self Protection and the wildly successful WeeKick™ Karate for WeeKids Program.
When she’s not punching and kicking Adette enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is an avid traveler and is always on the lookout for the next adventure. When she finally manages to spend time at home she loves to cook, read, run and cuddle with the dogs.
Adette’s School: https://www.facebook.com/driftwood.martial.arts
Andrea’s Motivational Books:
