It all began in 2004…

…with 5 young students.

2004

The Derrick karate program was started in 2004 by Sensei Kelsey with just 5 young students, one of whom was Sensei Elise. As the program expanded, additional coaches were needed, and the instructional team grew to include Senseis Lee and Jason, along with two green‑belt apprentices who would later become Sensei Raye and Sensei Janet.

2004-2013

As students advanced in rank, the Derrick karate program continued to grow. Many participated in local, regional, and national tournaments embracing the competition, workshops, and the friendships made along the way. In early 2013, the club celebrated a milestone when Sensei Raye graded to Shodan (first degree black belt), bringing a skilled and dedicated black belt to the team.

2013-2019

In 2013, Sensei Kelsey moved first to Ontario and then to Alabama for her spouse’s military service, leaving the club in the very capable hands of Senseis Craig, Raye, Janet, and Jason. Two years later, in 2015, the club celebrated another milestone when Sensei Elise graded to Shodan (first‑degree black belt), adding another talented coach and leader to the team.

2019-2025

In 2019, Sensei Kelsey returned to coaching alongside Senseis Raye and Elise. The Whitemud Karate Club was formally established in 2020 with the goal of offering community‑based, inclusive karate classes for students of all ages. In 2022, Sensei Raye moved to Calgary to pursue law school and Sensei Elise relocated to Toronto to continue her career and further her education. Since then, our club has flourished with 11 students achieving their black belts and becoming part of a dedicated team of senior and assistant instructors who continue to support and inspire our students. Meet them below!

Instructional Team
(under construction)

Sensei Kelsey Mramor

Sensei Kelsey began her karate journey in 1993 at the age of 8. She earned her Shodan in 2004, followed by Nidan in 2007, Sandan in 2011 and Yodan in 2022. From 2008–2012 she competed as part of the Shintani Team, later serving as Assistant Manager from 2012–2020.

Beyond the dojo, Kelsey is deeply involved in the broader SWKKF community. She has served as Chair of the SWKKF Scholarship Committee since 2009 and contributes as a member of the Standards & Ethics Committee as well as the Tournament Committee.

Outside of karate, Kelsey is a full-time Nurse Practitioner and mom of two young children. She’s also an enthusiastic (and ever‑learning) gardener and enjoys staying active outdoors in every season.

Sensei Raye Willms

Sensei Raye Willms began karate in 2003 and joined the Derrick Club in 2008 as a green belt. She achieved the ranks of Shodan in 2013 and Nidan in 2016. While completing her Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Business, Raye also coached the Derrick program with great success.

In 2022, she relocated to Calgary to pursue a law degree at the University of Calgary and is now entering her articling year. Even from a distance, Raye remains an integral part of the Whitemud Karate Club, serving as Treasurer and ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization. We are deeply grateful for her continued involvement and leadership.

Sensei Elise Leong-Sit

Sensei Elise Leong‑Sit was one of the original 5 students when the club began in 2004. She progressed steadily through the ranks, earning her Shodan in 2015, Nidan in 2019, and Sandan in 2025. Elise served as an elite member of the Shintani Team from 2017–2022 and competed as a Karate Alberta Senior Provincial Team athlete from 2020–2022.

In 2022, Elise relocated to Toronto to pursue new career opportunities and is now preparing to begin a Master’s in Public Health at Harvard University. Even from a distance, she remains deeply committed to the Whitemud Karate Club, supporting curriculum development, coach mentorship, and general program management.