We practice a traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu style of Karate-do known as Shido-kan. We are a Shibu dojo of the North American Shido-kan Association, under the guidance of Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.
Our Mission
We exist to propagate the traditions of Shorin-ryu Shido-kan Karate-do.
This will be accomplished through the teaching of classical martial art forms and applications.
Our goal is to promote the personal growth and mutual respect of every student by fostering a spirit of cooperation and friendship, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, confidence and a positive mental attitude.
Our Training
Classes are 45 minutes for youth and 1 hour for adults and consist of a short warm-up period, followed by basics and then kata, kumite, bunkai and oyo bunkai. Karate requires effort and persistence and students can expect to be challenged and at the same time rewarded as they advance and their confidence grows. View our class schedule.
Our Lineage
 |
Chosin Chibana (1886-1969) The founder of Shorin-ryu Karate was the first person to be awarded a 10th Dan (Hanshi) by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (the Japanese Martial Virtue Society). Chibana Sensei began his study of karate at the age of 15 under Anko Itosu and was the president of the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association He brought great honour to Okinawa when on April 29, 1968 the Emperor of Japan awarded him the 4th order of merit for his lifelong devotion to karate-do. |
|
|
Katsuya Miyahira Upon Chibana's death, Miyahira Sensei became the President of the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association and the 10th Dan (Hanshi). Hanshi Miyahira was born in Nishihara City, Okinawa on August 16, 1918. He began training under Chibana Sensei in 1933 and also trained with his uncle, Anbun Tokuda and Choki Motobu. Miyahira Sensei's maxims of: • Gouri (reason) • Gouho (legal or true form) • Kiyoson(co-operation) • Kiyoyei (fellowship, friendship) are the foundation stones of Shorin-ryu Shido-kan karate. In September of 2000, Miyahira Sensei was recognized as an "intangible cultural asset" by the Okinawa Prefecture Board of Education for his life-long commitment to teaching Karate-do. Miyahira Sensei's most senior student is Seikichi Iha. |
|
|
Seikichi Iha Seikichi Iha was born July 9, 1932, in Nishihara City, Okinawa. Iha Sensei began training in 1950 with Shinpan Gusukuma (Shiroma). After Gusukuma Sensei's death in 1954, he began training with Miyahira Sensei, after they were introduced by Iha Sensei's friend, Shoei Miyazato. Miyahira Sensei sent Iha to the Philippines and Guam to be an ambassador for Okinawa Shorin-ryu Shido-kan. On March 25, 2001, Miyahira Sensei promoted him to 10th Dan (Hanshi). Iha Sensei was responsible for bringing Shorin-ryu Shido-kan to North America and has been teaching at his Original Okinawa Karate Dojo in Lansing, Michigan since 1975. He is the most senior practitioner of Shorin-ryu Karate in North America and is the North American Director for Shorin-ryu Shido-kan. |
|
|
Roy M. Paul Roy M. Paul began karate in 1973, studying Chito Ryu, in Belleville, Ontario under Sensei Kenzo Dozono. Roy has been involved in Shorin-ryu karate since 1987. In 1998 he was appointed Canadian Director by senseis Miyahira and Iha. On March 19 2005, he was promoted to 5th degree black belt by Iha Sensei. Sensei Roy has had the honour to travel with Iha Sensei around the world and has competed in world tournaments in Okinawa. He has also had opportunity to train with Katsuya Miyahira, 10th Dan, Shorin-ryu Shido-kan; Shoei Miyazato 10th Dan, Shorin-ryu Miyazato Dojo and Kensei Taba, 10th Dan, Shogen Ryu. |
|
|
Margaret Paul Margaret Paul has been involved in Shorin-ryu Shido-kan karate since 1993, after trying karate as a way to get in shape for baseball, during the winter months. Senseis Roy and Margaret started Shido-kan Canada Karate Dojo in 1996, after she obtained her Shodan. She was promoted by Iha Sensei to 5th degree black belt on July 17th 2008. Sensei Margaret has also travelled with Iha Sensei and has competed in world tournaments in Okinawa and South America. Sensei Margaret finds karate a great way to deal with the daily stresses of working as a computer programmer. |
|
|
||
 |
Linda Frey |
|
 |
Denan Sarac |
|
 |
Don Smeltzer |
|
 |
Tricia and Edward van Rhijn are strong believers in the value of training in karate. They began their karate training in 2003 under Senseis Roy and Margaret along with their two sons, Alex and Nick. At the time, the boys were 8 and 11 years old. The entire family continues to train together today and the boys are now young adults. The entire family has gained much from their years as karate students, both in terms of individual development and in strengthening their family relationships. Edward van Rhijn has been involved in Shorin Ryu Shido-kan karate since 2003, training under Senseis Roy and Margaret. He was promoted by Hanshi Iha to 2nd Degree black Belt on July 16, 2009. Edward enjoys the practice of both karate (open hand) and kobudo (traditional weapons). He teaches kobudo at the Guelph dojo and began teaching kobudo at the Grand River Karate dojo in Waterloo in 2009. Tricia van Rhijn has been involved in Shorin Ryu Shido-kan karate since 2003, training under Senseis Roy and Margaret. She was promoted by Hanshi Iha to 2nd Degree black Belt on November 21, 2009. Tricia assists with teaching both the youth and adult classes at the dojo. Tricia is currently studying for a PhD in Family Relations and Human Development at the University of Guelph and sees karate as a great way to de-stress, keep in shape, and spend time together as a family. |
|
|
Certified Black Belts |
Godan-5th Degree Roy M. Paul Yondan-4th Degree Fortunato Restagno Sandan-3rd Degree Brenda Gasparetto Nidan-2nd Degree Greg Hattle Shodan-1st Degree Brendan Ireton-Paul |
