head Instructor

Master Brian Lee Bowser’s journey with the sword began in 2003, when a good friend invited him to a Haidong Gumdo class in Dang-san, Seoul. From that very first cut, he was hooked. What started as a personal passion for swordsmanship quickly grew into a deeper calling: to share the art and guide others on their own paths.

A 3rd Dan Black Belt currently working toward his 4th, Master Bowser is not only a dedicated practitioner but also the co-founder and lead instructor of Haidong Gumdo Halifax. Over the past 14 years of teaching, he’s helped eight students achieve their Black Belt, with four advancing to Second Dan, and has proudly coached students to medal placements at the Mexico Open Haidong Gumdo Tournament in both cutting and forms.

As a competitor, Master Bowser brings his own accolades to the table, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals from tournaments across Atlantic Canada. He’s also represented his art on the world stage at the 4th World Mulimpia in South Korea and the 2016 Pan-Am Mulimpia in Las Vegas.

His teaching is guided by the principles of integrity, right thought, right action, honor, respect, and service before self. He sees the sword not just as a weapon, but as a means of personal liberation—helping students break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their potential.

“The journey is well worth it,” he says. “You won't regret a moment.”

Join Master Bowser at Halifax Haidong Gumdo, and begin your own journey in a space where tradition, strength, and personal growth meet.

Assistant Instructor

Rachelle Lohnes began her martial arts journey long before discovering Haidong Gumdo. It was in 2014, while living in South Korea, that she found her true passion. What started as a natural extension of her love for martial arts quickly became a defining path. Since then, her journey has been shaped by perseverance, especially in overcoming the challenge of training with asthma. She never uses asthma as an excuse, but as fuel for her discipline.

Now a Second Dan Black Belt, Rachelle stepped into a leadership role in Haidong Gumdo Halifax with resilience and heart. She officially began teaching in the past year and has already coached students through demonstrations and gradings, proudly representing the art at local competitions, including Haidong Gumdo Moncton’s events.

Rachelle’s classes are grounded in the values of confidence, growth, learning, and respect. Her focus-based teaching style helps students carve out mental clarity and strength through every cut, block, and form. She believes the sword isn't just a weapon—it's a mirror, revealing what you're truly capable of.

Her message to new students? "Don't ever be afraid to try something. The only limit is the one you place on yourself."

Join Rachelle at Haidong Gumdo Halifax and discover what you're made of.

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