Ross Rumbell Award Recipient: 1997
Builder: 2003-2004
Athlete: 2002

Ron Tkacz began his journey in karate in 1969 at the Masami Tsuruoka dojo in Toronto. Calling the Port Credit Karate Club/Bill Carr School of Karate home for nearly two decades, Ron participated on the Ontario Provincial Team for 17 of those years.  He represented Canada at the 1982 World Championships and was given the Sportsmanship Award at the National Championships in Winnipeg that same year.  A licensed NCCP Level 2 Coach, he served as head coach for Team Ontario from 1979 until his passing in October 2004.  In 1983 he coached the Canadian National Team against Team Japan in Toronto and in 1992 coached the Canadian National Team in Spain at the World Championships. He was named Coach of the Year five times (2004, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1991) and was the 1997 recipient of the Ross Rumbell Award for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of karate across the country.