Cheryl Sanders: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment Through Martial Arts By Grandmaster Jonathan Field

Cheryl Sanders: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment Through Martial Arts
By Grandmaster Jonathan Field

In the heart of Northumberland County in Ontario, Canada, Cheryl Sanders has emerged as more than just a martial artist—she’s become a symbol of strength, transformation, and inspiration for women across her community. A dedicated 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo under Grandmaster Jonathan Field, a 2nd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt recognized by Korea, and a 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, Cheryl is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose in the martial arts world.

Her journey didn’t begin as a child prodigy or with dreams of winning championships—it began with a personal decision to invest in herself. After dedicating time to raising her family, Cheryl stepped onto the mats at Cobourg Tae Kwon Do for her very first Fitness Kickboxing class. What started as a commitment to her physical health quickly became a deeper calling. “I was rebuilding my strength,” Cheryl recalls, “and at the same time learning how to defend myself.”

That deeper calling revealed itself during a women’s self-defence seminar—an experience that changed her outlook entirely. “It was a sobering reminder of the real dangers women face,” she says. “From that moment, I was driven to equip not just myself but other women with the skills and confidence to protect themselves and speak out.”

Over the past 13-14 years, Cheryl has become a cornerstone of the Cobourg Tae Kwon Do community. She leads with both technical excellence and compassionate mentorship in Fitness Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Black Belt classes, and women’s self-defence seminars. Her martial achievements include multiple Southern Ontario Spring Martial Arts International titles, and she’s trained alongside world-class martial artists who have helped refine her skills and deepen her commitment.

But perhaps Cheryl’s greatest legacy is the one she’s building at home. Her three daughters have studied Taekwondo and self-defence under her. Cheryl is raising the next generation of strong, confident young women. “As a mother of three girls, it’s important to me that they grow up knowing they are capable, resilient, and never alone,” she says.

Cheryl’s story is not just one of belts, titles, or techniques—it’s a story of empowerment—of a woman who chose to step forward, speak out, and show others that strength comes not only from what you can do but also from what you can inspire in others.

Cheryl Sanders continues to lead by example with her and Grandmaster Field’s Empowered Kickboxing and Defence System classes for women, which they co-founded together. Four martial arts organizations recognize the Empowered Kickboxing and Defence System as its’ own martial arts and self-defence system.. Her message is clear: martial arts is more than a sport—it’s a tool for transformation, and every woman deserves the opportunity to hold it in her hands.

Grandmaster Jonathan Field

Cobourg Tae Kwon Do Ltd.

271 Spring St., Cobourg ON K9A 3K3

905-373-0032
 

Owner of Cobourg Tae Kwon Do Ltd.

Co-Founder of Empowered

Canadian Director for American Breaking and Combative Taekwondo Federation

Canadian Director for Kokoro Breaking Federation

Former USBA/WBA Local Director for Ontario Canada

Canadian Director for Black Dragon Association

12 Time World Martial Arts Champion

10 Time World Record Holder

Certified Instructor and School with The Superfoot System

Cobourg Tae Kwon Do

http://www.cobourgtaekwondo.ca

YouTube – www.youtube.com/sirfield 

Empowered

https://www.womenempowermenttraining.com

YouTube – www.youtube.com/empowered8083 

Ontario Martial Arts Symposium

www.ontariomas.com