Here's what a few people have to say about West Coast Jiu-Jitsu's Sensei Lori O'Connell:

I have known Lori O'Connell Sensei for approximately 5 years. There are only a few women in Canada who have achieved the level of black belt that Lori has. She is not only a devoted student of the martial arts but is also a very enthusiastic instructor. Lori has instructed at my association's events on several occasions. She is very skilled and able to effectively communicate with her students. I have tasked her with researching and developing lessons for our organization, she accomplished this task after much consultation and research. The final product was professional and well thought out and as such implemented into our program. Steven Hiscoe Shihan, 8th Degree Black Belt, Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

I met Lori at a martial arts seminar I was conducting in Vancouver in 2008. I immediately recognized that she possessed a high skill level in martial arts. I was impressed and interested in her background. We spoke at length. I'm also a fan or her writing. I read her book Weapons of Opportunity, which I highly recommend to all my fellow martial artists. Lori is a well-educated individual and skilled martial artist. I have meet several hundred martial artists and colleagues over the past two years but not many have left the impression that she did. I only wish we lived closer to each other! Lt. Kevin Dillon (ret), founder of the L.O.C.K.U.P. Police Combat System

Lori O'Connell is, in my opinion, an excellent Jiu-jitsu instructor. I have been a martial artist for over 18 years in karate and am a qualified instructor myself. I joined Lori's class after extensive research into available local Jiu-jitsu training with the goal of becoming a more well-rounded martial artist. I have been very pleased with the quality of the training provided by Lori. She is very professional, enthusiastic and dedicated to the success of her students. I highly recommend Lori as a Jiu-jjitsu instructor. Les Andrew Sensei, 2nd Degree Black Belt Karate, Orange Belt Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

I had the great opportunity to learn from Lori Sensei in the Self Defense for Busy Women class. The techniques were effective and easy to remember. I am already a Tae Kwon Do black belt, but I believe the skills I've learned in my years of training wouldn't have been as practical nor as effective as the simple techniques Lori Sensei taught me. The class was fun and engaging, and the skills are invaluable. I recommend her class because her style of teaching makes for easy retention and a fast learning curve. I strongly encourage any woman who values her safety to take this awesome class! Elizabeth Abela, "Self-Defense for Busy Women" participant, 2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

West Coast Jiu-jitsu's classes are extremely well-organized & maintain the right level of discipline to encourage questions & focused training at all belt levels. Lori Sensei has impeccable judgment & knows exactly how much to push you to improve your skills. This has always been an important factor for me as I have always felt that a Sensei should have an encouraging attitude towards junior belts, not just the senior belts. Of course that is not to say that senior belts are neglected in this club! I particularly appreciated the fact that there was no belt segregation as colour belts & white belts practiced different techniques together during class. This melts away any barrier between them & creates an amazing sense of camaraderie. The skills and techniques that you learn are practical & effective & are perfect for self-defense. I am a huge fan of West Coast Jiu-jitsu and the only reason I had to stop my training at yellow belt is because I had to relocate for school. Otherwise, there is no doubt that I would have continued my training under the guidance and wisdom of Lori sensei.   Ray Ng - Yellow Belt Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu, Green Belt Judo

Lori O'Connell Sensei is the one! I learned how to be punched, squeezed and smashed in a smooth and instructive way. She taught us to defend ourselves, inspiring confidence by building on our experience one step at a time. Lori Sensei has a great quality: patience. When I had classes with her, I started as a white belt and slowly my colleagues and I achieved outstanding results. She carefully corrected my stances and helped me learn how to punch and protect myself. She has my trust and my gratitude. Mauricio Kimura - Orange Belt, Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

Lori Sensei is a fantastic teacher who quickly earns the respect of her students.  During her time in Japan, she even impressed the other senseis who taught in Iwaki's community centre dojo. It's a real testament to her skills and ability to teach that, despite my being the largest student in her class by far (6'3", 210 lbs.), all of my fellow trainees were soon throwing and bouncing me off the mat!!! John Loynes - Orange Belt Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

I learned Jiu-jitsu with Lori Sensei in Japan for two years.  The training was hard, but she was a very patient and committed teacher.  I learned a lot about the difference between strength and technique and how being a woman is no excuse for a lack of either! Ruth Boley - Green Belt Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

Lori Sensei is always enthusiastic. Her classes are fun and full of energy. And you always come away from class having learned something. Tim Gorjanc- 1st Degree Black Belt, Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

I was really nervous about training in a martial art for the first time, but the learning environment Lori Sensei created made me feel really comfortable and safe. She ensured my success by pushing enough to challenge me, but never more than I was ready for. Jiu-jitsu was a great experience! Megan Wall - Orange Belt, Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu

Lori Sensei's natural talent and easy manner is such that even the difficult techniques made sense and seemed less complicated. The class was so fluid, relaxed, and enjoyable, I was actually surprised when it came time to test, at how far I'd progressed as a martial artist under her expert leadership. Ian Broom - Orange Belt, Can-Ryu-Jiu-jitsu

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