Our Team

James Heinrich is a Master Instructor and Licensed Consultant for the Proctor Gallagher Institute
James has spent the majority of his life training in the Martial Arts beginning with Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and Shaolin Kung Fu before starting his journey in Wing Chun in 1990.
He co-founded Great Way Martial Arts with his Partner and Wife Esmeralda in 1993 and achieved his Level 10 Black Belt and Instructor Certification in 1998 and his enthusiasm and gratitude for the martial arts and community continue to grow year after year as does his commitment to sharing the benefits of Kung Fu training.
James has also achieved practitioner levels in Touch for Health, Body Management & Educational Kinesiology (Brain Gym).
As a husband, and Father of three, he believes that Kung Fu training for the whole family is a remarkable lifestyle with vast benefits for the whole family.
All of his children trained in the Martial Arts achieving their Junior Black Belts.

– Owner/Founder of Great Way Martial Arts since 1993
– Certified Level 10 Instructor in Wing Chun Kung Fu
– Red Sash Master Level in Wing Chun Kung Fu
– Licensed Consultant/Coach with the Proctor Gallagher Institute
– Educational Kinesiology Certified in Brain Gym Level 1
– Level 1 & 2 BM (Body Management) Practitioner
– Level 1 & 2 TFH (Touch 4 Health) Practitioner
– Certified Red Seal Chef for Delta Hotels
– Three Years of Automotive Mechanics Training

Instructors that Master James has trained to go on to open Martial Arts Schools in Canada include;
• Sifu Chad Smith – Vancouver Wing Chun
• Sifu Robert Rinas – Vernon & Kitchener ON. Breakthrough Martial Arts
• Sifu Jeremy Hoemsen – Victoria Wing Chun Punch Club

Esmeralda has spent her working life in Customer Service and Sales. Esmeralda co-founded Great Way Martial Arts with her Partner and Husband Sifu James in 1993.
It is her passion for the benefits of Martial Arts impact on all people and families that is served at Great Way. Esmeralda has a wonderful sense of humour and loves to chat and “catch up” with all of the students and families.
Esmeralda is dedicated and focused to making sure that everyone always has a positive experience at Great Way. Esmeralda has been instrumental in many aspects of Great Way’s growth including being BC Government accreditation for teaching children with Autism as well as supporting families getting subsidies through Jump Start Canada.
Esmeralda is a wife and mother of three who are all trained in the Martial Arts and have achieved their Junior Black Belts.

Sifu Thomas has spent the main portion of his life training in the Martial Art beginning with Karate and Jeet Kune Do before starting his journey in Kung Fu and Wing Chun in 1999. Sifu Thomas achieved his Level 10 Black Belt and Instructor Certification in 2005 under Sifu James’ instruction.
Thomas’ passion for teaching and supporting students of all ages is obvious in his passion and connection with students. Sifu Thomas has an unfailing commitment and belief that the Martial Arts will help and improve everyone’s quality of life, whether through learning an art, improving personal fitness or increased self-discipline. Thomas is the Head Instructor of our Mission Location.
Sifu Thomas is a full-time Career Martial Artist and Instructor as well as being a Husband and Father of one.

Jesse has been training in Martial Arts beginning his Kung Fu journey in 2005 and has achieved Junior and Youth Black Belts and is currently a Level 10/Black Belt Instructor.
Jesse is very passionate about teaching children in their journey and supporting our Great Way Community Members.
He is a full-time Career Martial Artist and an Instructor in our children, kids, teens & adult Wing Chun programs.
He leads our Birthday Parties, Spring and Summer Camps as well as our outreach programs at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Jesse is the Coach for Great Way’s Demonstration Team.

Aaron has been training in martial arts for most of his life starting his Kung Fu journey in 2003. Sihing Aaron has achieved Junior and Youth Black Belts and is currently a Level 8 Instructor.
Aaron admires and supports how Kung Fu helps participants to constantly grow and learn in mind and body and thought.
Aaron is a full-time University student and instructs part-time in our children, kids & teens programs.

Gabriella has been training in martial arts for a lot of her life beginning her Kung Fu journey in 2007.
Gabriella has achieved Junior Black Belt and is currently Level 6 in Wing Chun.
Gabriella is a full-time University student and works part-time at front desk as our customer service specialist supporting the students under Esmerelda’s guidance and focused on making every student and families experience a positive one.