Sensei Simonetta Mariani began her training in the Martial Arts in 1992. She is a fourth-degree black belt in Karate-Do & Jiu Jitsu, a fourth-degree black belt in Ancient Weaponry, a Laoshi level 1 instructor in Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gwa and Chi Gung, a fourth-degree black belt in Jodo and third-degree black belt in Iaido (the way of the sword).

She holds a degree in Psychology and is fluent in four languages. Her Martial Arts studies have taken her abroad to Japan, where she had the privilege of visiting and training at Yamaguchi Sensei's Dojo, the headmaster of Japanese Goju Ryu, visiting the Butokuden, Japan's oldest training hall and visiting the Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo.

In 2004 she had the privilege of training in China – at the Shaolin Temple in Fujian province, with a white crane grand master at the Fuzhou Wushu Association & with the Taoist Monks at the Purple Swallow Temple on Wu Dang mountain.

She has participated in well over 90 seminars domestically and abroad in Germany, Norway, United States, Mexico, Cuba and Banff with teachers such as Sensei Wallace Platt 10th Dan Hanshi Chief Instructor C.M.A.C., Sensei Morio Higaonna, Professor Jacob, Sensei Merriman, Sensei Maldonato, Sensei Copeland, Sensei Mc Coll, Sensei Warrener, Sensei Sichiyama, Sensei Polland, Sensei Taylor, Sensei Mears, Haruna Sensei 8th Dan Iaido and All Japan Champion, Ede Sensei 8th Dan Iaido, Oishta Sensei 7th Dan Iaido, Kaminoda Sensei 8th Dan Jodo, Namitome Sensei 8th Dan Jodo. And of course, her Sensei, Sensei Patrice Williams, 6th Dan Renshi.

She has demonstrated and competed across the globe including demonstrations at the Skydome for the Toronto Argonauts, the Chin Picnic, Molson Park and the CNE, and she has had several appearances on local and national television including Gobal Tv's First Up, and CTV's Canada AM, and in one feature film.

She has competed nationally and internationally at tournaments in Mexico, New York and has won several major competitions.

Sensei Mariani has taught for York, North York, Etobicoke and North Etobicoke schools and community centers and private institutions throughout the greater Toronto area.

In addition to her responsibilities as Sensei of the Sakura Dojo, she is also Senpai for the Toronto Region. Sensei Mariani continues to train with her Sensei, Sensei Patrice Williams, 6th Dan Renshi and has the opportunity to train under his Sensei, Sensei Wallace Platt 10th Dan Hanshi, who continues his studies in the Far East.