Founders and Instructors

Alejandro Pereira

7th Dan CFTP, FOUNDER

Senior Master Alejandro Pereira stands as a 7th Dan Black Belt, a testament to his dedication and mastery of the art. The Canadian Family Taekwondo Programs (CFTP) traces its roots back to the vision and dedication of Senior Master Alejandro Pereira, a highly accomplished martial artist with a passion for Taekwondo. In his earlier years in South America, Senior Master Alejandro Pereira pursued various martial arts disciplines and became a student of several esteemed Martial Arts Associations, including the International Taekwondo Federation (I.T.F.), World Taekwondo Federation (W.T.F.), American Taekwondo Association (A.T.A.), and United World Taekwondo Association (U.W.T.A.). This exposure to different martial arts styles and philosophies contributed to the development of his unique and well-rounded approach to Taekwondo.

His personal achievements, including being a National Boxing Champion in 1978 and 1982, participating in the Olympic Elimination games in 1990, and earning Pan-American Tournament Champion titles in 1992, along with multiple International and Open Tournament Champion titles in 1993, 1994, and 1995, are a source of inspiration for current and future generations of CFTP practitioners.

In addition to his martial arts endeavours, Senior Master Alejandro achieved numerous personal accomplishments during his time in South America. He received a Bachelor in Physical Education, showcasing his commitment to understanding the physical aspects of sports and movement. He also became a registered Sport Massage Therapist and Reflexologist, demonstrating his dedication to holistic well-being.

The legacy of Senior Master Alejandro Pereira and his vision for Canadian Family Taekwondo Programs continues to thrive, empowering individuals to realize their potential and embrace the art of Taekwondo as a way of life.

Reneta Pereira

5th Dan CFTP, FOUNDER

Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Attended a sports high school specializing in swimming techniques and gymnastics. She has competed in International Swimming Tournaments. After high school, she enrolled in a Medical University in Plovdiv specializing in rehabilitation therapy, which is a combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and kinesiology from 1989 to 1992 and again from 2003 to 2004.

Master Reneta has a Doctorate Degree in Natural and Integrative Medicine from Quantum University. she founded the Natural and Integrative Medicine Centre in Toronto, Canada in 2016. Master Reneta speaks 4 languages including Bulgarian, Russian, Hebrew, and English.

Romina Pereira

5th Dan CFTP, INSTRUCTOR

Born in Argentina and holding dual Paraguayan nationality, Romina Pereira began her martial arts journey at a very young age, training from the age of 2 and continuing to this day. She started teaching as a youth instructor at just 12 years old and has since accumulated nearly three decades of active experience in martial arts, with over 20 years dedicated to instruction.

Throughout her career, she has competed in national and international tournaments across South America, earning top placements in each. Romina has also been the owner and head instructor of a CFTP franchise in Paraguay. Together with her husband, Master Osvaldo, she has taught side by side, first in Paraguay and now in Canada.

Osvaldo Rene Villalba

4th Dan CFTP, INSTRUCTOR

Born in Asunción, Paraguay, Osvaldo earned his law degree from Universidad Tecnológica Intercontinental (UTIC) in 2014. A graduate of CFTP Paraguay with over a decade of teaching experience, he has owned a franchise in Paraguay and has worked with students of all ages, always emphasizing personal growth and improvement.

Raphaela Pereira

3RD Dan CFTP, INSTRUCTOR

Raphaela Pereira started practicing Taekwondo when she was just 3 years old. She is a 4th Poom black belt certified by Kukkiwon. Raphaela has won numerous medals in national and international competitions. Despite her youth, she has always been present, assisting Senior Master Alejandro and Master Reneta in various capacities, including teaching, coaching, handling administrative tasks, and serving as a skilled judge and referee within CFTP.

As an instructor at CFTP, Raphaela shares her love for Taekwondo with others. She's not just good at it; she's also great at encouraging and guiding others. Raphaela shows us that age doesn't matter when you're passionate and determined!

Alicia Rodriguez Avila

4th Dan CFTP, INSTRUCTOR

Alicia was born in Cancun, Mexico, and has been immersed in the world of Taekwondo since childhood. She is a 4th Dan black belt certified by Kukkiwon and a 3rd Dan black belt of Moon Moo Won – Moo Duk Kwan Mexico. Growing up with parents who are Taekwondo instructors, Alicia developed a strong sense of respect, discipline, and dedication that continues to guide her life and work today.

After earning her Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from Universidad La Salle she worked in both print and digital media as a designer, coordinator, and columnist.

Alongside her work as a Taekwondo instructor, she became certified as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She also holds certifications in 200-hour Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Mobility training.