From a young age, Sean Stewart held a keen interest for the martial arts. As a teenager, he became incredibly passionate about Jiu Jitsu, in particular, quickly mastering the techniques of the sport— and competing nationally and internationally.
Over his 12-year career, Stewart achieved a number of victories. A five-time Canadian Jiu Jitsu Champion, three-time World Heavyweight Champion (1986, 1988, and 1990), recipient of the World Achievement Award (1996), Member and Captain of the two-time World Champion Canadian Jiu Jitsu team (1986 and 1988), a six-time Canadian National Team Member, and the Canadian Grand Champion (1993), he holds one of the most successful careers in the nation’s history.
Stewart has become heavily decorated on the international stage. In 1988, he was recognized as Black Belt of the Year; in 1991, he was inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame; and in 1993, he was named Competitor of the Year.
Throughout his years in the discipline, Stewart remained passionate about giving back to his greater community. In 1992, he developed a non-violent crisis intervention program in Oakville; the service works to help caregivers and staff in the mental health field cope with social problems.
When Stewart retired from the sport in 1994, he put his full attention toward teaching and training. At this time, he developed the Ontario Centre of Martial Arts in Oakville, and has since trained many National and World Champions in a variety of disciplines. The school also has a focus on aiding in the positive development of children and adolescents, with the aim to develop a commitment to learning, schoolwork, health, fitness and setting goals in adolescents and teenagers.
Today, Stewart continues to share his passion with his students: he now instructs over 200 recreational students from the ages of 40–60. He is now a Fifth-Degree Black Belt or Godan, a title which can take upwards of 29 years of training to achieve.
