Master Doug Bertrand - Owner/Master Instructor

Master Doug Bertrand, a 6th degree black belt, began his martial arts training at the age of 10 in 1982. In 1991, he was the first student to complete both the youth and adult programs of Kajukenbo Tum Pai Kung Fu and receive his 1st degree black belt and teaching certificate. It was also in 1991, that Doug, along with his parents Terry and Judy Bertrand, opened Hazel Dell Kung Fu in Vancouver, Washington.

This was also the same year he began competing on the open regional and national circuits of NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) and the NBL (National Black Belt League). From 1991-1999 he was the #1 rated lightweight fighter in the Northwest. On the National and International level, from 1994-1999 he was consistently rated among the top 4 Lightweight Fighters in the world by NASKA. Because of his fighting ability and winning attitude, he was selected in 1996 as one of the original members of the Team Elite World Karate Team (now Team CJB). In 1999, he achieved his fighting career goals with wins at the Compete Nationals (Grand Champion), the New England Open (Grand Champion), and the prestigious Battle of Atlanta. For his 1999 efforts, Doug was named "Defensive Fighter of the Year" by ON POINT magazine and awarded Martial Artist of the Year by Black Belt Schools International. Doug culminated the 1999 season by winning the world Lightweight Fighting title, ranking him as the #1 fighter in the world by NASKA in that division.

In 1999, Doug and his wife Zennette became the sole owners of the school and changed the name to East West Kung Fu Academy,LLC. After accomplishing his goals as a competitor, he refocused his energy on his family and to building Vancouver's premier martial arts and life skills center. In order to accomplish this goal, he joined Black Belt Schools International and began implementing teaching methodologies developed by Professor Greg Silva including; "Teaching Benefits", "Universal Curriculum", and "Phase Curriculum". The results were immediate; his students were learning faster and excelling in the physical and mental benefits of martial arts. There are now over 600 students training at East West Martial Arts.

As Vancouver's premier martial arts center, Doug and East West Martial Arts have received several awards for their outstanding service, contributions to the community and innovative martial arts instruction; setting new standards in the martial arts industry. East West Martial Arts has been rated one of the top 10 schools in the Nation by Black Belt Schools International, and was one of only three schools to win the prestigious Ruby Award at BBSI's International Convention in 2002. In 2003, Doug was selected as one of 14 members of Black Belt Schools Internationals Board of Directors. Last year, in Miami, at BBSI's International Convention, East West Martial Arts was awarded "Professional School of the Year". A dedicated husband, and father of 2 young children, Doug trains and teaches daily, and continues to make a positive impact on the students and families of East West Martial Arts, as well as, Vancouver's community.