Our Leaders & Instructors

Oleksandr Chertkov

Head Coach, Chertkov Academy —

Kyokushin Karate & Karate-Pro | Sensei (3rd Dan)

My martial arts journey began in childhood—in the ’90s, when a small boy with a big dream was inspired by Bruce Lee. I trained on my own: at the stadium, in the courtyard, outdoors—no gym, no instructor, just posters on the wall and tapes in the player. Even then, I knew this wasn’t a hobby—it was my path.

Eventually, I joined a dojo where my first teacher was a true master. He taught not only technique but also the spirit of the warrior’s philosophy—Budō. From age 17 came intensive training, tournaments, training camps, and seminars. I went through it all—from local meets to the World Championship. I became a seven-time Champion of Ukraine, an Asian Championship medallist, represented my country in more than 25 countries, fought in over 200 bouts, joined the national team, and competed twice at the KWU World Championship.

At the same time, I was building my own club—teaching, supporting, and mentoring. Today I can proudly say: among my students are Champions of Ukraine, medallists at the Asian and European Championships, and even a World champion. Some have become senpai and continue their path in karate.

After earning my 3rd Dan, I received the official title of Sensei and obtained international certifications, including as a judge. I then began teaching Karate-Pro—a professional, full-contact format that combines my knowledge of traditional Kyokushin with modern mixed techniques.

My training is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes because the program integrates physical conditioning, technique, self-defence, and tactical elements for tournaments at every level. In every class, students feel the structure, discipline, and deep tradition that come from over 34 years of daily practice and self-work.

For me, karate is more than a sport. It’s discipline, character, spiritual strength, and respect. If I see my students becoming better today than they were yesterday—then I’m doing it right.

Osu!

Yana Chertkova

Co-Founder, Chertkov Academy

Manager, organiser, event curator — the heart of the Academy 💙

I’m a mother of four, the coach’s wife, the organiser behind all the action at Chertkov Academy, and someone who truly believes in the power of community.

Back in Ukraine, my life wove together sport, motherhood, work at a children’s development centre, and an events agency. I learned to balance without compromising on quality—because my approach is simple: If you’ve started something, do it perfectly. Or almost perfectly 😉.

As our sports club in Ukraine grew, I dove deeper into event management—from small in-club celebrations to large-scale occasions: the Ukrainian Karate Championships, national training camps, and camps for major sports teams. And I did all of this while raising our children.

In Canada, I’ve continued that path.

Today I’m responsible for everything that shapes our Academy’s brand and atmosphere: communication with parents, class schedules, the staff team, documentation, the organization of camps, tournaments and celebrations, space design, photo shoots, social media, visual identity—and about a thousand little details that add up to something big every day.

My goal is to build something more than a sports club or after-school classes.
It should be a place of strength, comfort, inspiration, and positive energy. 🪄

I’m the one whose work most often stays behind the scenes.
But nearly every process at Chertkov Academy rests on my shoulders—and I do it with love.

Anastasiia Kolodii

Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach

My name is Anastasiia, and I’m a rhythmic gymnastics coach at Chertkov Academy.

I’ve been in sport for more than 14 years. My journey began in childhood—rhythmic gymnastics quickly became not just a passion, but a way of thinking and shaping character. From a young age, I supported younger gymnasts at competitions—both technically and emotionally—and that’s when the desire to coach was born.

Today, I hold the appropriate coaching certification and work with children of various ages and skill levels. In addition to my work at Chertkov Academy, I also teach at Edmonton Rhythmic Gymnastics, where I lead both recreational and competitive groups. I know how to tailor my approach to each child—regardless of starting ability or temperament.

In my work I focus not only on technique, but also on how a child feels. It’s important to create a space where they can open up, grow, build confidence, and develop inner resilience. My favourite moments are when I see a child overcome doubt, master something new, and truly light up with pride.

My coaching style combines clear structure, gradual progression, and a warm atmosphere. I believe in the power of encouragement, in teaching through positive reinforcement, and that even the quietest child can flourish in the right environment.

Harun Abdur Rahim

Kyokushin Karate & Self-Defence Coach — Senpai (2nd Dan)

My name is Senpai Harun, and I teach Kyokushin Karate and self-defence at Chertkov Academy.

My teaching journey began in my teens. At 15, I led classes for children in foster families, and later in school programs and youth fitness camps. Over the years, it became a calling. I’ve worked in several dojos and served as Head Instructor at Endicott Kyokushin Dojo (New York) from 2018 to 2024; after moving to Canada, I continued coaching at Chertkov Academy.

Today I hold a Second Dan (Nidan) in Kyokushin Karate, brown belts in Goju-Ryu and Shuri-te, an IFK judging certification (kumite and kata), and current First Aid & CPR certification. As an athlete, I’ve earned multiple results in international full-contact and semi-contact karate, including 1st place in New York (2023) and 3rd place in Atlantic City (2024).

I work with students of all ages and experience—and I always look for each person’s strengths. My goal isn’t to make everyone the same; it’s to help each student become the best version of themselves. In my classes, students learn more than striking and defence—they learn focus, resilience, self-belief, and respect.

My favourite moment is when a student overcomes what once seemed impossible and proudly says, “Sensei, I did it!”—that’s what makes this work incredible.

My coaching style blends discipline, strength, humour, and support. I create an atmosphere where every student feels part of a team, and every session feels like a challenge you want to win.

Yuliia Tvorylova

Ballet and Contemporary Dance Instructor

Hi! I’m Yuliia Tvorylova a ballet and contemporary dance instructor at Chertkov Academy.

Dance has been my language since childhood. They say my first words were “dad” and… “ballerina.” 😄 I’ve been dancing ever since.

In ballet, I help young ballerinas discover grace, posture, rhythm, and beauty. We learn to point our toes, keep a tall spine, listen to the music, and feel like performers from the very first class.

With teens in contemporary, we explore freedom of movement, improvisation, and the power of the moment. It’s a space where technique meets emotion, and dance becomes self-expression. I love the instant when a freestyle set turns into real magic—something more than movement.

I’m inspired when a child’s eyes begin to shine with confidence, when students find themselves in motion, when the body suddenly “speaks” better than words. I believe every child has that spark, and my job is to help it catch fire.

I bring 10+ years of teaching experience, classical training (ballet school, a choreography college, and a university program in culture/arts), and performance in international contemporary projects. I led the contemporary dance department at the Arts College in Odesa—and I love working with teens!

I’m convinced that dancing is as natural as breathing. What matters most to me is that every child or teen in my class believes in themselves, discovers their abilities, and simply feels happy.

Liudmyla Yurik

Prenatal Yoga and Postnatal Recovery Instructor

Hi! I’m Mila, a prenatal yoga and postpartum recovery instructor at Chertkov Academy. 🧘‍♀️

Yoga came into my life in 2018 as a source of support, and soon became a true calling. I completed my RYT 200 certification and specialized in prenatal yoga—and now I share this experience with women on a very special journey.

In class we gently prepare the body for birth: we work with the back, pelvic and leg muscles, practise breathing and relaxation, and cultivate mindful awareness of change. The atmosphere is always warm, cozy, and supportive—I aim to create a space where every woman feels safe, can unwind, and connect with herself and her baby.

I especially love the moments when expectant mothers blossom—becoming calmer, more confident, and brighter. That inspires me every day. Everything my students experience is close to my heart, because I’m currently expecting my fourth child. I know how important it is to have space for yourself, recovery, and inner resources.

All my knowledge, practice, and experience are in your hands and hearts. 💫

Remember: you are strong. Your body is wise. Everything within you is already ready to welcome a miracle.

Anna Bolshakova

Stretching, Pilates & Functional Fitness Coach

My name is Anna, and I coach stretching, Pilates, and functional fitness at Chertkov Academy. I create a space where women can feel free, strong, beautiful, and confident in their bodies again.

I’ve been in sport for more than 13 years. My journey began with wushu—I trained with the straight sword, sabre, and three-section staff, and served as an A-category judge. Over time, my interest grew beyond strength alone to health, lightness, flexibility, mindfulness, and femininity in movement. That’s what led me to stretching, Pilates, bodywork, and breath practice.

I love building an atmosphere where women can exhale, gather themselves, and feel strong, beautiful, and alive again. I know many girls and women around me face the challenges of immigration and motherhood—when you set your own life and desires aside for “better times.” Often there isn’t enough energy to simply take care of yourself. I’ve lived through this, too. Now my goal is to show another path—the one that leads back to your true self, the one that got lost in daily routines but is still there inside.

I blend fitness, Pilates, stretching, rehabilitative techniques, and women’s coaching to make classes effective, safe, and genuinely inspiring. We’re not just building muscle—we’re reconnecting with the body, practising breath, moving, and replenishing. This is a space where every woman can feel: I can. I have time. I am already enough.

I believe in care that nourishes rather than drains. If you’ve been dreaming of feeling alive, flexible, strong, and beautiful—come. I’m here for you.

Olha Maliavchyk

Administrator

My name is Olha, and I’m your guide at Chertkov Academy—the place where every step helps you become the best version of yourself!

Since childhood I’ve been the responsible one—the kind of kid adults trusted with “big” tasks. That’s probably where my path as an organiser began.

I was also a very active child: from age five I joined all kinds of clubs, and sport and dance quickly became a core part of my life.

So now I’m more than an administrator. I’m the person who will:

📌 support you, point you in the right direction, and answer any question,

📌 handle the boring paperwork and processes for you,

📌 genuinely celebrate your achievements.

From the moment you reach out, you’re already taking a first step—

toward new discoveries,

toward testing the strength of your body and spirit,

or simply toward a fun way to reset after a busy day.

Haven’t booked your first class yet?

I’m already looking forward to your message—our Chertkov Academy team is ready to welcome you!

Even if you just want to share how excited you are for your next session (or complain about post-workout soreness—I get it! I train at Chertkov Academy myself and went from Sensei Oleksandr’s student to administrator, so I know the process from the inside 😉), I’m always here.

My goal is to make your journey at Chertkov Academy as convenient, warm, and inspiring as possible. 💫