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 simple and direct lineage. Kikukawa Masanobu Hanshi was a longtime student of Sokuichi Gibu of the Choshin Chibana lineage and Seiki Toma of the Chotoku Kyan lineage.
DOJO INSTRUCTOR
Victoria Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai Instructor James Rault Kyoshi has been practicing Karate for 32 years. He began training with Kikukawa Masanobu Hanshi 22 years ago 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 the Board Chairman (理事長) for the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Shinkokai. It is James’s mission to pass on the knowledge taught 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 designed to benefit society by helping people to improve themselves. At our dojo, rigorous training of kata (forms), conditioning, sparring and attention to conduct work together as facets of this traditional martial art.
The path of a martial artist is one that can last a lifetime. It requires dedication and discipline. It can cause one to become a constructive member of society and help to cultivate the synergy of mind, body and spirit.
Students who apply themselves can experience weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, endurance, mental clarity and drive.
Kids and teens can benefit from karate practice in many ways, including increased self esteem, attention span, manners and ability to co-operate in a safe, constructive atmosphere.