About SKA
Founded by Coach Dawn Rae Culgin, Sudbury Kickboxing Academy is more than just a gym - it’s a community built on respect, empowerment, and growth. With over 30 years of experience in Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Boxing, Dawn has competed on the world stage, coached Canada’s National Kickboxing Team, and inspired countless athletes to push past their limits.
What began in 2014 as Team Onna Bugeisha, a women’s-only program designed to empower women through Martial Arts, has grown into a thriving academy where men and women of all levels train side by side. From first-time fitness enthusiasts to national-level competitors, every member is supported, challenged, and celebrated.
At Sudbury Kickboxing Academy, our coaches are specialists in their disciplines, bringing experience, knowledge, and heart to every class. Together, we’ve created a space where you can discover your inner strength, build confidence, and become part of a family that lifts each other up.
Our Mission
At Sudbury Kickboxing Academy, our mission is to empower individuals through Martial Arts and fitness by creating an inclusive, supportive, and challenging environment. We are committed to helping every member—whether a beginner or a seasoned competitor, discover their inner strength, achieve their goals, and grow in confidence both on and off the mats.
Through expert coaching, a strong sense of community, and a dedication to continuous learning, we aim to inspire resilience, discipline, and respect in every person who walks through our doors.
DAWN - Owner, COACH, INSTRUCTOR AND MENTOR
Dawn Rae Culgin’s Martial Arts journey started as a teenager when she joined a Karate school. After 30+ years of experience – having trained in Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Boxing – she created Sudbury Kickboxing Academy, a dojo focused on Kickboxing and Muay Thai with the foundations of Karate etiquette and respect.
In 2012, after years of dedicated training, Dawn became a competitive kickboxer competing Internationally, Nationally, and Provincially. She was a multi-time K1 Champ, Low Kick Champ, North American Grand Prix Champ, and a WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) bronze medalist.
Dawn represented Team Canada on four occasions at World’s in Brazil (2013), Serbia (2015), Ireland (2015), and Hungary (2017). Dawn is a third-degree black belt in traditional Okinawan Goju, RyuSyoKai and also one of four WAKO Canada National Team Coaches for the 2022-2024 term.
In 2014, Dawn started her own Kickboxing school with a women’s only program, Onna Bugeisha, before opening Sudbury Kickboxing Academy in January, 2018. She is a WAKO Level 2 Coach, a Boxing Ontario Level 1 Apprentice Coach, as well as completed both the WAKO and Muay Thai Ontario Officials courses. She is also a Level 1 certified Precision Nutrition coach.
Dawn’s fitness journey goes beyond Martial Arts – since 2008 she earned several fitness qualifications including becoming a Canfitpro FIS (Fitness Instructor Specialist), a Canfitpro PTS (Personal Training Specialist), and an Agatsu Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor. She is also LesMills Body Pump and Body Combat certified and certified as a Jillian Michael’s Body Shred instructor.
Dawn works with everyone from newcomers entering the fitness world for their first time to accomplished competitors. A coach, an instructor, and a mentor – Dawn has built Sudbury Kickboxing Academy to what it is today. A place where people not only share her love of Martial Arts and Fitness, but a community where members support each other like family.
Associations
Sudbury Kickboxing Academy is a proud member / affiliate of World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).
