Our Team
Angelo Panoussis
Founder & Head Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan Karate
6th Degree Black Belt – Karate Canada
5th Degree Black Belt – Japanese Karate Federation (JKF)
4th Degree Black Belt – Rilion Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
NCCP Certified Coach – Canada
JKF & Rilion Gracie Official Recognized School Operator
Angelo Panoussis began his martial arts journey in 1988 at the age of 14 and has since built a lifelong career defined by passion, purpose, and progress. Born to a Greek family and raised in Canada, Angelo trained at a respected school focused on mentorship and personal development. By 1994, he earned his black belt and quickly took on a leadership role, eventually opening The Dojo Family Martial Arts in Orangeville in 2005.
Angelo’s pursuit of excellence led him into competitive Olympic-style boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he represented Team Canada internationally and currently holds a 4th-degree black belt under Master Rilion Gracie. Many of his students have gone on to become provincial and national champions.
Beyond competition, Angelo has been a strong advocate for self-defense and bully-awareness education in schools across the region. With over 30 years of experience, and three generations of martial artists in his family, Angelo continues to mentor students and instructors while preserving a culture rooted in tradition, growth, and family.
Donna Benoit
Program Director & Senior Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt – Benoit Martial Arts
6th Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan Karate
6th Degree Black Belt – Karate Canada
5th Degree Black Belt – Japanese Karate Federation (JKF)
Born into the renowned Benoit Martial Arts family in Sudbury, Ontario, Donna Benoit was immersed in martial arts from a young age. As one of the few female instructors in a male-dominated era, Donna helped set a new standard for inclusivity and excellence in martial arts education.
Donna is known for pioneering one of the most comprehensive and age-appropriate training programs for children—blending her background in child education and fitness development with deep martial arts knowledge. Together with her family, she helped make their dojo in Sudbury one of the most respected schools in North America.
Today, Donna plays a central role in guiding the growth of The Dojo Family, shaping programs, mentoring instructors, and continuing the family tradition alongside her partner Angelo and their children. Her work continues to inspire and prepare the next generation of martial artists in the Dufferin region.
Ric Micucci
Senior Instructor – The Dojo Family Martial Arts
6th Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan
6th Degree Black Belt – Karate Canada
4th Degree Black Belt – Japanese Karate Federation (JKF)
Ric began his martial arts journey in 1992, originally training under Sensei Brian Cyr at the Brampton Academy of Martial Arts. What started as a one-year gift membership quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, Ric has trained and competed internationally, studied under world-renowned instructors, and earned multiple high-ranking black belts.
In 2007, Ric joined The Orangeville Dojo, reconnecting with long-time friend Shihan Angelo Panoussis. Since then, he has continued to grow as both a martial artist and instructor, achieving advanced ranks including Godan in Seiwakai Goshukan and Yondan with Karate Canada.
Respected for his dedication, mentorship, and sense of camaraderie, Ric—affectionately known as “Paparic” among students—remains a cornerstone of The Dojo Family, inspiring others to pursue excellence on and off the mats.
Luke Panoussis
Senior Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan
4th Degree Black Belt – Karate Canada
Brown Belt – Rilion Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orangeville
NCCP Certified Coach
Luke Panoussis is a third-generation martial artist who has grown up with martial arts at the center of his life. As the oldest son of founders Angelo Panoussis and Donna Benoit, Luke was raised on the mats and immersed in a family legacy of tradition and leadership. His early years were spent training, assisting, and developing his skills in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Luke holds fourth-degree black belts in Seiwakai Goshukan and Karate Canada and recently earned his brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a trip to Brazil under the Rilion Gracie banner. Though his competitive focus has shifted in recent years while pursuing a professional career in mining, he remains a valued part of The Dojo Family, continuing to train and teach when available.
Luke’s steady presence, strong technical foundation, and years of experience make him a respected role model, continuing to contribute to the dojo's success and uphold the family's martial arts legacy.
David Panoussis
Scott Morrison
Lead Instructor – Kids & Competitive Karate Programs
4th Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan
4th Degree Black Belt – Karate Canada
3rd Degree Black Belt – Japanese Karate Federation (JKF)
Black Belt – Rilion Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orangeville
NCCP Certified Coach
Senior Instructor – The Dojo Family Martial Arts
4th Degree Black Belt – The Dojo Family Martial Arts, Orangeville
3rd Degree Black Belt – Seiwakai Goshukan Karate
David Panoussis is a third-generation martial artist carrying forward a proud legacy built over decades of tradition, community, and discipline. As the younger son of founders Angelo Panoussis and Donna Benoit, David was immersed in martial arts from birth, growing up in a household where the dojo was a second home.
He holds 4th-degree black belts in both Seiwakai Goshukan and Karate Canada, a 3rd-degree JKF black belt, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Rilion Gracie lineage. A dedicated student and teacher from a young age, David has evolved into a highly respected instructor, leading both the children’s curriculum and the dojo’s competitive karate team.
David’s background includes a top-ranked competitive career in Ontario and a national podium finish. He now focuses on developing the next generation of martial artists—teaching both recreational and elite students, while also extending his knowledge into local school systems through self-defense programming.
David continues to grow the legacy of The Dojo Family, shaping future leaders with integrity, respect, and a deep love for the martial arts.
Scott Morrison has been with The Dojo Family Martial Arts since its founding in 2005, making him the most senior black belt to come through the Orangeville dojo. With over two decades of martial arts experience and an even longer history in youth coaching, Scott has been a foundational figure in the growth and success of the dojo.
Before joining The Dojo, Scott built a diverse background in martial arts, training across multiple systems including Shotokan, Goshin Jitsu, and Kempo before transitioning into Goju Ryu. His martial arts history includes:
• Sheridan College – Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement/Police Sciences (1993–1995)
• Bill Carr School of Karate – Shotokan (1993–1995)
• Promar Karate – Goshin Jitsu (1998–2002)
• Kushindokai Karate – Kempo (2002–2005)
• The Dojo Family Martial Arts – Goju Ryu (2006–Present)
In addition to his martial arts career, Scott dedicated over 10 years as a head coach and convenor with the Orangeville Wildcats baseball and softball program, where he mentored countless youth athletes. His commitment to youth development predates even his time at the dojo, and he continues to be a strong advocate for leadership through sport and mentorship. Scott played a key role in helping Shihan Angelo and Donna Benoit implement the dojo’s age-appropriate learning model, one of the school’s most defining and successful teaching approaches. He has also helped shape many of the junior instructors currently rising through the ranks, passing on his values of structure, patience, and consistency.
Respected by students and instructors alike, Scott’s steady leadership, depth of experience, and dedication to youth development continue to leave a lasting impact on The Dojo Family community.