About Us
Who We Are
Our Story
At West Coast Warriors Taekwondo, we believe everyone holds the potential to become a true champion – strong in body, mind, and character.
We are deeply committed to offering that opportunity to all.
Through the discipline of traditional taekwondo, we cultivate six foundational life skills:
Discipline, Honesty, Respect, Communication, Self-Esteem, and Belief.
These values shape our leadership program and guide each student’s journey on and off the mats. Training at our school is more than earning belts – it’s about building confidence, resilience, and leadership through focused practice, community support, and personal challenge. We honour the roots of taekwondo by upholding the highest standards and preserving its time-honoured traditions.
Competition is part of this tradition. In tournaments, students face real challenges that test their courage, strategy, and emotional strength. These experiences deepen respect for the art, accelerate personal growth, and build character,
not just through victory, but through perseverance and sportsmanship.
Our mission is to shape future leaders who carry these principles into their lives and
communities with pride, purpose, and an unwavering belief in themselves.
Meet Our Warriors
Adam Ishmail
Chief Instructor, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Mr. Adam Ishmail began his taekwondo journey at the age of six, earning his first black belt by the time he was nine and achieving his 3rd degree black belt by the age of fourteen. His passion for the art naturally led him into teaching in 2008 under the guidance of Mr. Geoff Mysynuk and Mrs. Sue Mysynuk of Rising Dragon (formerly Sonfire) Martial Arts. In 2015, he achieved his black collar certification under Chief Master Karpiuk. With over 17 years of teaching experience, Adam took the next step in his martial arts journey by opening West Coast Warriors Taekwondo in 2025, where he continues to share his knowledge and inspire students.
Mr. Ishmail has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and went on to launch A&A Finishing , where he combines discipline and precision in his professional work. Mr. Ishmail enjoys exploring new places by way of scooter or paddleboard, and enjoys watching his favourite sports teams.
Steve Panczel
Legacy Coach, 1st Degree Black Belt
Mr. Steve Panczel began his martial arts journey studying Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate in his early teen years. After earning his 1st degree Black Belt, he left to pursue other interests, a decision that he would come to regret. Some 20+ years later, now married with children, he decided it was time to go back, enrolling in Songahm Taekwondo with his children, and eventually his wife, Mrs. Panczel. Mr. Panczel advanced through the ranks, earning Provincial Championships in traditional forms, weapons, sparring, and combat sparring between 2023 - 2025, and a District Championship in weapons in 2025. Mr. Panczel is now excited to start this new chapter in his martial arts journey at West Coast Warriors.
Mr. Panczel holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and currently works in building management. He enjoys playing video games and hopes to one day see the Vancouver Canucks win the Stanley Cup.
Sarah James
Legacy Coach, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Sarah has always been drawn to Taekwondo, a meaningful part of her culture, though she didn't have the opportunity to train until later in life. She began her journey as a mother of three and quickly connected with the art's history and values of discipline, respect, honesty, courtesy, and confidence. What started as a personal pursuit soon became a family passion, with her youngest child and eventually her husband joining alongside her.
Beyond martial arts, Sarah earned her Culinary Arts Diploma in 2004 and has cultivated a versatile career in the food industry. Her path has included cooking in hotels and restaurnts, specializing in pastry and baking, and later moving into sales and human resources/talent acquisition, where she discovered her passion for supporting and developing people.
The ATA community has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth, and Sarah embraces every opportunity to train with the mindset that learning never stops.
Ana Marie Panczel
Legacy Coach, 1st Degree Black Belt
Mrs. Ana Marie Panczel began her Taekwondo journey in 2023. A self-described "typical mom" who initially watched from the sidelines while the rest of her family trained, she was eventually convinced to join after much encouragement. What started as hesitation quickly turned into passion: she first competed as a yellow belt and has since gone on to compete in multiple tournaments. She is a two-time Provincial Champion in traditional forms, weapons, sparring, and combat sparring, as well as a District Champion in combat sparring (2024) and weapons (2025). Mrs. Panczel has just recently earned her First Degree Black Belt.
Beyond the mat, Mrs. Panczel has dedicated her career to community impact, working extensively in the non-profit sector serving immigrants, and she currently convenes community planning tables focused on improving outcomes for newcomers. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and certificates in Counselling, and Dialogue & Community Engagement.
Michael James
Legacy Coach, Brown Belt