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Literally translated. "Karate" means "empty hand".
About our
Dojo
The Kingsway Shito-ryu dojo has been at
2501 Kingsway in Vancouver since 1987. The dojo program is run by two
experienced senior instructors, Kaz Hashimoto and Mark Stacey. The
club's other instructors are some of Canada's elite karate competitors
and the practice environment for both our adult and junior programs is
challenging and stimulating.
We practice traditional
Shito-ryu karate and emphasize training skills and competitive technique
without forgetting the importance of developing discipline and respect.
Dojo History
Kingsway Shito-ryu Odokan practices traditional Shito-ryu Karate-do
founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1887-1952). The club originally
practiced the Itosukai style of Shito-ryu until the death of Ryusho
Sakagami in 1993. In 1994 the dojo followed Master Seiko Suzuki
when he established Shito-ryu Seiko-kai as an independent karate
association. In 2004 the club became an independent, unaffiliated
Shito-ryu dojo known as "Odokan" (translation: Kingsway Dojo)
Kaz Hashimoto and
Mark Stacey have been the instructors of Kingsway Shito-ryu since it
began in 1987. Both are experienced competitors and have represented
Canada as National Team competitors and coaches. Kaz Hashimoto in
particular is recognized as one of the best karate athletes to ever
represent Canada, and continues to hold Canadian medal records for his
national and international competitive achievements.
The experience of the
two founders of the dojo has led to the development of an intensive and
focused training program. The karateka from Kingsway Shito-ryu boast an
outstanding competitive record in provincial, national, and
international karate competition. The students who have excelled in
national competition include Howard Chang, Alex Camarda, Peter Gonsales,
Chris Sullivan, Ken Kitaoka, Welton Vo, and Tracy Vo - they have
established their own standards of success.
Many of the dojo's
members began training in our junior class, which offers kids under 14 a
challenging yet fun forum. Parents often remark about how traditional
karate training enhances their children's self-esteem and assists them
to excel in other endeavors.
Although the emphasis in
the dojo is focused on intensive traditional karate training, the
activities of the Kingsway club have also always included regular social
events such as demonstrations, parties, and group tours.
Kingsway Shito-Ryu Karate-Do
2501 Kingsway, Vancouver B.C. Canada V5R 5H1
604-430-4237
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