Deb Fuchek began her study of martial arts at the very young age of six. From 1974-1977, she practised judo, achieving a blue belt and winning an eventual bronze medal at the Junior Olympics in Judo in Toronto in 1977. From 1977-1982, Deb studied Isshin Ryu Karate, along with her two sisters Susan and Janet (both are now fifth degree black belts), in Thunder Bay, Ontario, under Sensei Donald Shapland. In 1988, Deb and her husband Tim Leonard opened their own karate dojo (club) in Winnipeg. From 1993-1998, Deb competed in the international tournament circuit, winning both kata (a series of movements against imaginary opponents) and kumite (point fighting) divisions. In 1990, the Professional Karate League rated her the second-best kumite competitor in Canada. In 1997, Deb and Tim opened their first Isshin Ryu Karate School in Ottawa, now called the Toshikai Dojo.

Always ready to take on new challenges, Deb reinvigorated her martial arts through boxing and attained a Level 5 with the Whitebrook Boxing Club in Ottawa. She presently instructs a cardio-karate program at the Toshikai Dojo in Ottawa.