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E-Mail:
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British Columbia, Canada
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8859 Selkirk Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6P 4J6
Phone: (604) 321-1815
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Vancouver Shito-Ryu was formed over 30 years ago and teaches traditional Japanese Karate. We emphasize basic techniques, using hands and feet, which are held to be most effective in combat.
Students are taught pre-arranged forms, called "kata", to promote speed, agility and strength.
Once a basic level has been achieved, the individual can develop their skills with pre-arranged combat, or "kihon kumite", and eventually with free-sparring. This process is gradual. While in the past there were no formal belt grades, a system of belt grades was introduced to reflect this gradual advance. Coloured belts begin at white and move up through yellow to orange, green, blue and brown. It should be noted that the amount of time required to gain proficiency at each belt level increases. To achieve the grade of black belt will require at least 3-4 years; Karate, however, should be regarded as a lifetime study.
Karate is fun too!! While our training will challenge anyone, regardless of their fitness or previous experience, we hope to make friends in training.
And best of all, you are invited to our annual Beach Practice at English Bay! The only catch -- it takes place on the third Saturday in JANUARY!! Neither snow, nor rain, nor hail postpones it!!!
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Shito-Ryu(pronounced Shee-toe-reeoo) is one of the four main styles of Karate(the other three are Shotokan, Goju-ryu and Wado-ryu), has practitioners world wide. Our style, more formally known as Shito-ryu Seikokai, is presently headed by Grand Master Seiko Suzuki in Japan. The Chief Instructor of Canada is Sensei Yoshiaki A. Sato of Vancouver. Sensei Sato(Sensei, meaning Teacher) was a student of Grand Master Suzuki. As you can see, lineage generally follows through your instructor.
Shito-ryu karate was founded by Kenwa Mabuni. He named his style after his two teachers, Itosu and Higaonna. The word "Shito" is thus an amalgam of their names, as they are written in the Japanese language. "Ryu" simply means 'style'. Hence "Shito-Ryu".
The word 'Karate' comes from the two words "kara"(empty) and "te"(hand). Karate is therefore known as the art of the empty hand, and is regarded as perhaps the most effective method of unarmed combat. It teaches to move quickly, block effectively, create strong stances and make powerful strikes using hands and feet..
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As in many oriental endeavors, the results appear contradictory to many westerners. Reputable Karate instructors teach martial skills in order that they are not used. This philosophical and sometimes unexplainable approach has been called a "martial art", with the stress on 'art', for this very reason. In practical purposes, this means developing physically, mentally and spiritually. Since every student of karate-do(of the 'path' of karate) is unique, some may look for greater physical health, and others for more mental or spiritual development. Karate offers all of these. Since Karate-do is taught in a strenuous and disciplined manner, it also acts as a means of weeding out those of weak character who might use Karate techniques dishonourably. That does not mean, however, that those students who are weak-minded or weak in body are rejected. They will, in fact, inevitably find these attributes in themselves diminish with every practice. It is the dishonourable intention which will not be tolerated, for Karate without discipline and good character is violence.
True practitioners of Karate-do make this a life-time study. That doesn't mean that we must stop our lives to study this art. Rather, it means fitting Karate-do into our daily lives. A slow, steady approach to Karate will be far more beneficial than a fanatic burst to learn it all in a few months. You can only know whether this is for you if you try it!!
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Please feel free to sign our guest book. Your comments are always appreciated.
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All graphics and photographs are copyright Speedy Web Concepts and/or The B.C. Shito-Ryu Seiko-Kai Organization unless otherwise stated. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
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