I started training karate at the age of 5, I fell in love with it and I'm still doing it 33 years later. I was a small child for my age and quite shy, so my parents wanted to help me build my confidence. Also, I really wanted to be a Ninja Turtle so that’s how it all started. I really loved competing and won my first international competition at 10 years old. I won gold in my category at the WKC World Championships. I started fighting in the men’s division at 16 years old to get more experience and to challenge myself as an athlete. Over my fighting career, I’ve won 18 titles in WKC point sparring, won gold in open weight point sparring and won gold in WAKO Worlds in 2007 at the age of 20 years old. 

I’m currently a fighter in the Karate Combat circuit; I was approached in early 2022 and have fought 2 fights and won both. My next fight is coming up soon so I’m excited to finish strong! I was excited for this opportunity as I was looking for a new challenge and saw this as a great way to continue my learning experience as a martial artist. 

I opened my own Dojo in Rockland, Ontario in July 2024 with Sensei Ben Clarke who’s a great friend and training partner of mine. https://rockland.douvris.com I’m enjoying seeing the next generation of fighters going up the ranks. I find it extremely impactful that I get to play a role in their personal growth and help build their confidence. Children and adults. I was them once. I’m also teaching seminars and doing private lessons. If you’re interested, you can reach me at r.lavoie44@gmail.com for availability and pricing. I’m also excited to launch my brand RL this year so keep an eye out for that!

My experience working with Mightyfist:

My experience working with Mightyfist has been fantastic. They are always professional, helpful, and truly threat you with the utmost respect. They consistently have your back, making them the best company I've had the pleasure of working with.

The best advice I’ve received by an instructor/coach:	Knowing what I know now, what would I tell my younger self:
It was from Sensei John Douvris and Sensei Raymond Daniels. Enjoy the process. There’s going to be ups and downs in your daily life and your competition career. You have to stay resilient.	Be more present to enjoy and celebrate your wins; big or small. I was always looking to the future trying to find my next fight, the next title I could win or what I could improve in my next training session instead of seeing how far I’d come.