COMPASSION HUMILITY GRATITUDE PATIENCE PERSEVERANCE
OUR DOJO
Victoria Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai is a branch of the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate Shinkokai, an international organization founded in Okinawa in 1985 by Masanobu Kikukawa Hanshi and Tatsunori Azuma. Mr. Kikukawa emigrated to Canada in 1993 and founded the Canadian division of the Shinkokai, while Mr. Azuma (1952-2012) stayed in Okinawa and represented the organization there.
At Victoria Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai, members have a rare opportunity to learn traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo from a very direct and undiluted lineage. Kikukawa Hanshi was a longtime student of both Sokuichi Gibu of the Choshin Chibana lineage and Seiki Toma of the Chotoku Kyan lineage.
DOJO INSTRUCTOR
Victoria Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai Head Instructor James Rault Kyoshi has been practicing Karate for 31 years. He began training with Kikukawa Hanshi in 2003 and continues to train with him on a regular basis. James is a certified Master Instructor (師範), holds the ranks of 7th Dan in Shorin Ryu Karate and 5th Dan in Ryukyu Kobudo. He is also the Chief Director (理事長) for the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai. It is the mission of James Rault Kyoshi to pass on the knowledge given to him by Kikukawa Hanshi as accurately as possible and to help promote Mr. Kikukawa’s legacy to future generations.
SHORIN RYU KARATE
Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate is more than a fighting system. It is a system designed to help maintain health and longevity for those who are willing to train regularly. It is also designed to improve society by helping people to become the best possible versions of themselves. In Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate, kata (forms), conditioning, sparring (in various capacities) and attention to conduct are all complimentary and work together to form a total health system.
The path of a martial artist is one that can last a lifetime. It requires dedication and discipline. It causes one to become a constructive member of society and cultivates mind, body and spirit.
Class time includes physical conditioning, strength training, self defense techniques/applications, learning the traditional katas, and meditation. Students experience weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, endurance, mental clarity, focus and drive.
Kids and teens benefit from karate practice in many ways, including increased self esteem, attention span, manners and ability to co-operate in a safe, constructive atmosphere.