Kitchener Kicks Head Instructor
Sigung David Hackett began his Martial Arts career in 1985 at the Scarlet Dragon Society in Kitchener, Ontario. The name was eventually changed to Ron Day’s Kitchener Kicks by founder Master Ron Day and he has been a loyal student and instructor ever since. Twenty three years later, Master Day passed the torch to Sigung Dave who became his successor and today he is the Owner and Head Instructor of Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre.
Sigung Dave holds a 7th Degree Black in Shaolin Kung Fu from the Canadian Karate Kung Fu Association (CKKA). Along with Master Day, he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Video: Fearless – Sigung Dave Hackett’s journey in Martial Arts
An outstanding fact about Sigung Dave is that he was considered by many to be an unlikely candidate for the martial arts. In 1974 at the age of 16, Dave lost his right leg below the knee in an industrial accident. Being an avid skier, and completely undeterred by his newly adopted disability, Dave returned to skiing the next year, eventually qualifying for the Canadian National Disabled Ski Team.
Sigung Dave always had a burning passion for the martial arts, even as a youngster, but had abandoned the idea when he lost his leg. In early 1985 while browsing the Yellow Pages looking for a local gym, he noticed a few martial arts clubs listed under the fitness heading. He finally decided to follow his instincts and began to visit the various clubs that were listed; a decision that changed his life.
Most clubs gave him a cool reception, commenting that he could seriously injure himself or another student. That perception changed the moment he entered Master Day’s academy. His response to Dave’s disability was the opposite of all the other clubs. He told Dave that he would be limited only by the limitations he placed upon himself.
Sigung Dave has competed in, and won, many national and international martial arts championships and he has taught numerous seminars to a wide range of audiences and outreach groups. Sigung Dave continues to actively train, teach, and carry on Master Ron Day’s legacy. He is an inspiration to all who know him.
Sigung Dave has been a resident of the Waterloo region since 1968 and, aside from his martial arts interests, is a very accomplished skier. He has competed on the Canadian National Team, and was head coach and program director for the Ontario Disabled Ski Team for 12 years. He is also a retired volunteer firefighter in his home town of Maryhill.
Sigung David Hackett began his Martial Arts career in 1985 at the Scarlet Dragon Society in Kitchener, Ontario. The name was eventually changed to Ron Day’s Kitchener Kicks by founder Master Ron Day and he has been a loyal student and instructor ever since. Twenty three years later, Master Day passed the torch to Sigung […]
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