History of our style

Shihan Itosu

Style encompasses speed and agility

Shihan Higaonna

Style encompasses power and dynamic tension

Shihan Kenwa Mabuni

Shihan Mabuni (1889-1952) is the founder of the Shito-Ryu style, one of the four major styles practiced today. He studied under Shihan Itosu and Shihan Higaonna to combine their values, forming Shito-Ryu and introducing this style from Okinawa to Osaka in 1928. Today, the Shito-ryu style is well known for precise and dynamic movement in kata (patterns), and quick agility in kumite (sparring).

Shito-Ryu is one of the few styles that maintains the practice of weaponry, specifically the use of traditional weapons from Okinawa called Kobudo. Okinawa weaponry includes the Bo, Sai, Tonfas, Nunchuku, and Kamas.

Shihan Sakagami

Shihan Sakagami (1915-1993) studied under Shihan Mabuni and continued to flourish throughout his karate career. He initially began his practice of martial arts with Kendo and Iaido (way of the Samurai Sword Draw). The practice of Iaido continues within the Shito-Ryu Kyokai organization, and occassionally introduced in our classes.

A pivotal student that Shihan Sakagami taught was Shihan Demura.

Shihan Demura

Shihan Demura (1938-2023) was a prominent student of Shihan Sakagami and responsible for bringing this style of karate to North America and other parts of the world. Famously known for his work in the original Karate Kid series as a stuntman for "Mr. Myagi", Shihan Demura was also the director and chief instructor of the Shito-Ryu Genbukai International organization. Shihan Demura's life's work was dedicated to keeping the practice of karate alive, including other styles and arts by incorporating variations of styles within katas. Many members of the Shito-Ryu organization had the priviledge to train with Shihan Demura and to participate in his tournaments in Santa Ana, California.

Shihan Cameron Steuart

Shihan Steuart, is a devote student to Shihan Demura, often making trips to California and arranging seminars for Shihan Demura to lead in Canada, ensuring that the practice within the Canadian dojos encapsulate the spirit and Shito-Ryu style. Shihan Steuart transformed the Genbukai Canadian division into the Shito-Ryu Kyokai style that we know and teach today. Under his guidance, we carry on the foundational pillars from Shito-Ryu Genbukai and strive towards the vision of karate-do Shihan Demura saw for the future.

Sensei Gord Besler

Sensei Besler is one of many head instructors within the Canadian division and the head instructor for the Calgary Karate-Do Dojo. He has trained under Sensei Steve Harnett and Shihan Steuart for many years prior to opening the Calgary dojo. Sensei Besler brings a bio-mechanic approach to understanding karate-do and movement for each student's unique anatomy. With this modern analysis of karate-do, he is able to develop karate-ka that are extremely skilled and share his passion for the martial art.

The 5 Basic Principles of Defense (Uke no gogensoku)

Throughout the progression of our style, we have preserved the 5 pillars of defense:

Teni: Using body movement to avoid an opponents attack

Ryusui: Gaining advantage and control as the defender by flowing with your opponents movements.

Kushin: Utilizing knee mobility and a straight back to control an attack, maintaining balance and strength.

Rakka: Defeating one's opponent phsyically and psychologically by blocking in a decisive manner.

Hangeki: The last resort on the continuum of using force in self-defense, countering an opponent with a decisive blow.

Additional Elements

Tenshin Happo: Utilizing the 8 different directions of movement within your defense. Shifting your body away from the attacks in the forward/back, side to side, and diagonal directions.
Go no sen: counter strike after the opponent has finished an attack
Sen no sen: block and counter while opponent is attacking

Karate Rules to Live By (Dojo Kun)

Many traditional Dojos will have rules to live by that are set by each style (Ryu). From the Shito-Ryu Genbukai Dojo Kun we have adopted:

Hitotsu...Rei setsu o omon zuru koto - Be courteous in your manners

Hitotsu...Tadashii okoro o motte seiken to suru koto - Have a strong sense of justice

Hitotsu...Kageki naru gen do kooi o tsutsushimu koto - Be responsible for your words and actions

Hitotsu... Ai shinji te wasuru koto - Respect one another

Hitotsu...kyu do no seishi o oko ta zaru koto - Karate-do is the way of the spirit to give you courage and ambition to reach your goals as part of your life

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