Lori O'Connell Sensei holds a 5th-degree black belt and full instructor's license in Can-Ryu Jiu-jitsu and has trained in martial arts for over 20 years and taught martial arts for over 17 years in Canada and abroad. She trained directly under the heads of the style of Can-Ryu, including Ed Hiscoe Shihan (current head), Steve Hiscoe (heir apparent) and Professor Georges Sylvain (founder). In addition to her Jiu-jitsu training, Lori has trained extensively in a variety of other arts, including BJJ, MMA, Shorinji Kan Jiu jitsu, Western Boxing, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Hapkido, Taekwondo, and more.

Lori currently runs her own Jiu-jitsu dojo, operating in the greater Vancouver area in Canada since 2006. In addition to teaching there, she also regularly instructs at regional Jiu-jitsu conferences, black belt seminars, and as a guest instructor at other martial arts schools. She also teaches local women's self-defense programs, personal safety & awareness programs, and corporate self-defense seminars. In addition to her martial arts training and teaching, Lori also writes regularly on her martial arts blog and has published a book, Weapons of Opportunity, about her personal experiences teaching and training in the martial arts.