Lamon Kersey has forged a hallmark career in the martial arts community, both as a competitor and particularly as a trainer, mentor, and teacher to thousands in the Windsor / Essex County region and beyond.

Born and raised in Windsor, Lamon was introduced to the martial arts at a young age and gained notoriety as a competitor throughout his teens and early twenties. He opened his first school in a small community centre in 1973; from there he opened three more locations around the Windsor/Essex County area. With well over 600 active students in his school, Lamon has graduated more than 500 Black Belts. He also started the Ontario Nationals Karate Championship and remained its director for over 25 years. Some of the top competitors in North America took part in his tournament.

Hoping to increase his name recognition and draw attention to his new school, he continued to train and compete internationally. By 1981 he was crowned North American Sparring Champion and a year later added the American Okinawan Karate Association’s Kata title to his resume. Lamon would add numerous other competitive titles to his record, including being named AOKA Grand Champion in 1985. His prowess as a competitor and instructor is duly recognized by his induction into both the International Karate Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Isshinryu Hall of Fame in 2013.

Given his passion for teaching and training others in the martial arts, in 1982 he started teaching high school students at his alma mater W.D. Lowe Secondary. Having taught self-defence in Windsor/Essex County high schools for more than 25 years, he now focuses his attention on educating elementary school students. He has delivered hundreds of presentations for children of kindergarten age all the way through grade 8. Lamon is also a regular speaker and instructor for numerous organizations in his local community.

For all his accomplishments as a tireless trainer, mentor, and promoter of the martial arts in Windsor-Essex and beyond, Lamon Kersey can proudly take his place in the Windsor / Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, in the Builder category.