Karate
Personal Profile
I have over 35 years of experience in karate. I hold a 6th Dan in Wado-Ryu Karate from the Wado Academy and a 5th Dan from Karate Canada. Throughout my journey, I've been a Provincial Kumite Champion, National Medalist, and an International Wado Championship Competitor. I also had the incredible opportunity to train and compete in Japan for two years.
For me, karate is the perfect blend of physical and mental discipline. It helps me stay fit, focused, and centered. Practicing karate instills respect, perseverance, and self-confidence, which are values I hold dear. I enjoy passing these principles on to my students, helping them achieve their personal goals, and grow as individuals.
Karate History
Brief
Competition
History
1986 – Started practicing karate at the Swift Current, Saskatchewan Karate Club under the instruction of Sensei Graham Guthrie.
1987 – Moved to Toronto, Ontario and started training at the North York Wado-Ryu Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Alex Waith, chief instructor of the Canadian Wado Ryu Karate Federation.
1990 – Achieved the level of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt). Graded by Sensei M. Shiomitsu of the Wado-Ryu Karate do Academy.
1992 – Achieved the level of Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt). Graded by Sensei M. Shiomitsu of the Wado-Ryu Karate do Academy at the Summer Course.
1996-98 – Lived in Yokohama, Japan and trained at the Wado-Ryu Karate do Renmei Honbu under the instruction of Sensei Kazutaka and Grandmaster Ohtsuka II. I also trained regularly with the Yokohama Ouku Bu at the Mitsuzawa dojo under the instruction of Sensei Murakami and Shihan Yamashita.
1997 – Achieved the level of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) with the Japan Karate do Federation.
1999 - Achieved the level of Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt). Graded by Sensei M. Shiomitsu of the Wado-Ryu Karate do Academy.
2005 - Achieved the level of Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt). Graded by Sensei M. Shiomitsu of the Wado-Ryu Karate do Academy.
2011- Awarded 5th Dan from Sensei Masafumi Shiomitsu, 9th Dan Hanshi.
2011 - Passed Karate Canada 5th Dan Grading.
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2013 - Member of Karate Canada National Dan Grading Mentorship Program.
2019- Awarded 6th Dan from Sensei Masafumi Shiomitsu, 9th Dan Hanshi.
2020 - Started Toronto West End Wado Training Dojo
2023 - Registered Toronto Wado-Ryu Karate as Not-for-Profit
2023 & 2024 - Hosted Wado Academy Dan Grading and Seminars taught by acting Chief Instructor Arthur Meek Sensei 8th Dan Renshi
1995 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
1996 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
1997 – 3rd Place -75kg Black Belt Division Yokohama City Championships.
1997 – Top 16 -75kg Black Belt Division Kanagawa Prefecture Championships (Japan).
1997 – Top 16 -75kg Black Belt Division International Wado-Ryu Karate Championships (Philippines).
1998 – 8th Place -75kg Black Belt Division Yokohama City Championships.
1999 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
1999 – Men’s Team Kumite Gold Medalist. National Karate Association Black Belt National Championship.
2000 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
2001 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
2001 – -75kg Men’s Kumite Bronze Medalist National Karate Association Black Belt National Championship.
2002 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
2001 – -75kg Men’s Kumite Bronze Medalist National Karate Association Black Belt National Championship.
2003 - Karate Ontario -75kg Black Belt Provincial Champion.
2003 – Retired from competition.
Currently, I am the head instructor of Toronto Wado-Ryu Karate. and assistant karate instructor with the GTA YMCA. As well, I am a member of the Wado-Ryu Karate do Academy, the Wado-Ryu Karate Do Renmei , and the Ontario Karate Federation.