• Life's not about how hard of a hit you can give...It's about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward. Sylvester Stallone
  • The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it. John Ruskin
  • Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others. Sir Winston Churchill
  • The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants. Master Funakoshi
  • Concentration is the secret of strength Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. Bruce Lee

20 Years in Vernon

what makes a master?

The term karate master in Shotokan karate refers to individuals who have trained seriously in karate for a very long period of time usually spanning decades. It is not an official title but more of recognition by the organization for their high level of skill, knowledge and dedication to the art. They are the most senior and experienced sensei who they themselves studied under the masters who came before them. These modern day karate masters possess the wisdom, technical skills, in depth understanding of the art and compassion to pass their knowledge on to the new generation of karateka.


GichinFunakoshi

Funakoshi

Born in Okinawa in 1868, Funakoshi is considered the father of modern karate. He studied karate from childhood before introducing it to Japan in 1922. In 1936, the Shotokan School was established. In 1955, the Japan Karate Association was established with Funakoshi as its Chief Instructor.

MasatoshiNakayama

Nakayama

Born in Japan 1913 became the successor of Funakoshi and the 2nd Chief Instructor of the JKA. Master Nakayama is recognized for introducing karate to the world and popularizing karate competition. Master Nakayama is the author of over 20 books on Shotokan Karate.

TeruyukiOkazaki

Okazaki

Master Okazaki is a 10th Degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor of the ISKF. He is a former student of Funakoshi and Nakayama. In 1961, the JKA sent Master Okazaki to the US where he has founded one of the largest Shotokan organizations outside of Japan. Master Okazaki visits Vancouver annually to conduct clinics and Black Belt exams.

YutakaYaguchi

Yaguchi

Master Yaguchi was a 9th Degree Black Belt, Vice Chief Instructor of the ISKF and Director of the Mountain States and Western Canada. He trained in Japan as a student of Nakayama and Okazaki before moving to the US in 1965. Master Yaguchi visited Vancouver twice per year to conduct training clinics and Black Belt exams before his passing in 2023.