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A New Direction

6/8/2017

 
To the Members and Friends of Heijoshin Karate,

It is with great excitement that I proudly announce the merging of Heijoshin Karate and Kildonan Karate Club (KKC). Beginning in September, Heijoshin Karate members will effectively become members of Kildonan Karate Club, and will train at the beautiful, purpose-built, full-time karate dojo owned and operated by Sensei Steve Burch. There will no longer be classes held at Gateway Recreation Centre. I will continue teaching twice a week at KKC alongside Steve Sensei. Kildonan Karate Club recently became affiliated with the WTKO, and given how close in proximity our two dojos are, it just made perfect sense to combine forces and become bigger and better, together.

For the past six years, Heijoshin Karate has operated out of Gateway Recreation Centre offering two All Levels classes a week. Despite the concrete floors, the space has been great and Gateway Rec has been very good to us. In the past six years I have invested a great amount of my personal time and energy not only teaching, but also running the business behind the scenes. It has been a one-man show, and I am proud of what I have accomplished on my own in these past 6 years. It has been a labour of love and I can truly say that Heijoshin Karate is a piece of me. It has become part of my identity. However names should not define who we are. Rather it is our actions that define us. As an instructor, what drives me most is interacting with and caring for the wellbeing of my students, and although the Heijoshin Karate name will effectively be no more, I want to stress that I am absolutely not abandoning my students. In fact, I am more committed than ever, and will continue to teach an All Levels class as well as an Advanced class each week until life permits me to do more.

With my family and work commitments being what they are, at this stage in my life I can only devote so much time to teaching karate. My students need more training opportunities than what I can provide for them on my own. For them to continue to grow in their Karate journey, they need more training options with more classes that are more relevant to their level. By joining KKC, Heijoshin Karate members will go from having two general classes a week to training opportunities 6 DAYS A WEEK, including classes specific to their rank. The facility offers the sprung hardwood floors of a traditional karate dojo, as well as a matted area, and all the training equipment you would expect from a dedicated karate studio. The word MAKIWARA comes to mind! Not to mention dedicated change rooms (no more changing in the washroom). All this and yet the fees are going to stay pretty much the same. Everybody wins.

Finally, our members are gaining a great instructor in Sensei Steve Burch. He has a seeking mind and is truly passionate about Shotokan Karate. He is wonderful with kids and adults alike and above all is a kind and thoughtful person. I am certain you will feel the same. I am really looking forward to working with him to build Kildonan Karate Club into one of the best dojos in Manitoba!

This website will remain online in a limited capacity.  I encourage all to visit kildonankarate.ca for info regarding registration.

Finally, I would like to thank dojo members past and present who have made me realize just how much I love teaching karate.  I will not let you down.


If you have any questions, I encourage you to email me.

Sincerely,

Phil Harris
Instructor
Kildonan Karate Club

Jan 28-29, 2017 - Seminar with Sensei Scott Middleton, 6th Dan WTKO

16/10/2016

 
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​SEMINAR WITH SENSEI SCOTT MIDDLETON - 6TH DAN WTKO
January 28th and 29th, 2017

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LOCATION AND TIMES FOR THIS SEMINAR HAS CHANGED

Heijoshin Karate is pleased to host WTKO Canada National Director, Sensei Scott Middleton, 6th DAN, on January 28th and 29th, 2017. This seminar is open to all interested karateka, regardless of organizational affiliation.

Sensei Middleton has been training in Shotokan Karate for 30 years, and has been teaching at his dojo, Traditional Karate of Brandon, since 1992. Sensei Middleton is the WTKO General Secretary and member of the WTKO Executive Committee. He is an Certified Instructor Graduate of the WTKO Kenshusei Program and holds the qualifications of Class A Instructor, Class A Examiner, and Class A Judge. 

Sensei Middleton is quickly becoming a highly sought after Shotokan instructor in North America and Europe, being invited to teach at various seminars and camps around the world. His classes are well-planned, well-presented, energetic and thought-provoking. This year we are happy to provide two days of classes for all ages and skill levels to enjoy. 

SCHEDULE (REVISED):
Saturday, January 28, 2017
=======================
All Levels - 1pm to 2pm
Brown and Black - 2pm to 4pm

Sunday, January 29, 2017
======================
All Levels - 1pm to 2pm
Brown and Black - 2pm to 4pm

COST:
Colour Belts - $30
Brown and Black - $45

Payable in advance by e-transfer (phil@heijoshinkarate.com), cheque (Heijoshin Karate), or cash.

REGISTER:
To register for the seminar, please email Phil Harris at phil@heijoshinkarate.com with full name, rank, and dojo.

LOCATION (REVISED):
Heijoshin Karate
Gateway Recreation Centre
Social Hall (2nd Floor - Use Bonner Avenue Entrance)
1717 Gateway Road

Shihan Yutaka Yaguchi's Final Canadian Seminar

16/10/2016

 
October 15th, 2016 was a very special day for Karate in Manitoba.  Earlier this year, Shihan Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th Dan ISKF, announced his retirement from teaching.  He will officially retire at the end of 2016, but this was his final seminar in Canada.  Sensei is the Technical Director of the International Shotokan Karate Federation.  He has been practising karate since 1952.  He has been coming to Winnipeg 2-3 times a year for the past 44 years to conduct seminars and examinations.  Manitoba was the first province in Canada he had ever visited.   For more information about his him, you can check out his Wikipedia page.   

​On a personal level, he has had a great influence on my life in karate for over 20 years.  I examined for all of my dan levels under his watchful eye (however Godan was in front of both Sensei Okazaki and Sensei Yaguchi, and a panel of judges).  He always pushed me to be my best.  Seeing me grow up in karate, he was definitely like a grandfather to me.

I am extremely grateful to Sensei Larry Loreth and all of ISKF Manitoba for sharing this special occasion with the greater karate community in Manitoba.  The event was quite the reunion, bringing people from four different provinces, and even some from USA to celebrate Yaguchi Sensei's retirement and say 'Thank You' to a man who has positively impacted the lives of so many.

Congratulations, Yaguchi Shihan.  Thank you for your many dedicated years of Karate-Do.  Enjoy your retirement!

[Photos] Bunkai Jutsu Seminar with Iain Abernethy - June 3-5, 2016

20/6/2016

 
Photos are finally up!  Sorry for the delay.

Mission Accomplished!


What an absolutely fantastic weekend of karate! After two years of planning, I'm so very pleased that the seminar was such a big success. Having never planned an event of this size before, I think it went incredibly well! 68 people attended from across Canada and the US. Everyone I spoke with said they really, really enjoyed themselves and would definitely attend another seminar with Iain Abernethy. What's more, this was one of the VERY rare occasions where many different styles of karate (and even taekwondo) got together to train with other like-minded individuals. We all came together and shared in some fantastic training. No egos. No politics. Just good karate. That's a beautiful thing.  We even got together for a night of socializing over pizza and drinks.  I got to finally put faces to the names I have been emailing for the past few months.  Karate people are some of the nicest people.


It was quite the experience being Sensei Iain's uke (human punching bag) for three days. Despite the frequent pain I received at his hands, I had a big grin on my face the entire time (or is that grimace?).  I'm happy and honored to have been of assistance. I'm very thankful he agreed to travel so far and pay us a visit. The man is a walking karate encyclopedia, not to mention a total gentleman.  Looking forward to seeing the YouTube clips he puts out in the coming days. [EDIT] Link to video.


Big thanks to my seminar planning colleagues, Sensei Ron Porath and Sensei David Ogren for all their help and collaboration over the months leading up to and including this weekend. Thanks to Sensei Ron's wife Debbie for opening her home up and being a wonderful host to Sensei Iain. Thanks to Heather and Kim for helping collect money and registrations.


Finally, big thanks to my wife Kathy for her support and being incredibly understanding of my absence of husbandly/fatherly duties during those past few days. Although I know she would rather see more of me, she never complains about karate.

Below are some photos from the weekend's events.  Photo credit goes to Ron and Armin.

Enjoy!

- Phil


Friday Private Class - Children


Friday Private Class - Adults


Bunkai Jutsu Seminar - Saturday and Sunday


Sightseeing Around Winnipeg

Seminar with Sensei Scott Middleton, 6th DAN - January 31st, 2016

15/12/2015

 
​
UPDATE:  
​Due to a high level of interest, we have added a third class strictly for black belts!


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Sensei Scott Middleton, 6th DAN, WTKO
As a new domestic affiliate of the WTKO, Heijoshin Karate is pleased to host a 1-Day seminar with WTKO Canada's Sensei Scott Middleton, 6th DAN, on Sunday, January 31, 2016.  This seminar is open to all interested karateka, regardless of organizational affiliation.

Sensei Middleton has been training in Shotokan Karate for 30 years, and has been teaching at his dojo, Traditional Karate of Brandon, since 1992.   Sensei Middleton is the WTKO General Secretary and member of the WTKO Executive Committee.  He is an Certified Instructor Graduate of the WTKO Kenshusei Program and holds the qualifications of Class A Instructor, Class A Examiner, and Class A Judge.  

Sensei Middleton is quickly becoming a highly sought after Shotokan instructor in North America and Europe, being invited to teach at various seminars and camps around the world.  In 2016 he is already scheduled to teach in Ireland, England, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and twice in New York City.  Despite how popular he is becoming, this will be his first time teaching as a guest instructor in Winnipeg.  Considering what a knowledgeable and skilled karateka he is, and how incredibly close he lives to our city, this seminar was long overdue.  On a personal level, this is very special for me, and I am honoured to be the first dojo in Winnipeg to host Sensei Middleton.  He is a local talent that deserves more recognition in our province.

​For a full bio, click here.



​Schedule of Events

Sunday January 31st, 2016
1PM - 2PM - Children All Levels
2PM - 3PM - Adults All Levels + Youth Brown and Black Belts
3PM - 4PM - Black Belts

Cost:
Children (under 16 years) - $20
Adult - $25

Payable on the day of the seminar by cash or cheque made out to 'Heijoshin Karate'.

Register:
To register for the seminar, please email Phil Harris with the name(s) of those attending and the class they will be attending.
​

Location:
Heijoshin Karate
Gateway Recreation Centre
Social Hall (2nd Floor)

1717 Gateway Road

Please use entrance facing Bonner Avenue.  

Use the rightmost door and take the stairs up to the social hall.

Nov 27-28 - Seminar and Testing with Shihan Josef Woon-A-Tai, 7th DAN

11/10/2015

 
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Budo IKD Manitoba is proud to host Shihan Josef Woon-A-Tai, 7th DAN of the IKD on November 27th and 28th, 2015.  For more details of Shihan Josef Woon-A-Tai's credentials and accomplishments, see his bio here.

This is a great opportunity for everyone of all experience levels including our newest white belts.  I highly encourage all of you to attend regardless if you are testing or not. 

Schedule of Events

Friday November 27th, 2015
6PM - 7PM - All Levels Class
7PM - 8PM - Black Belt Class
8PM - 9PM - Instructor Class

Saturday November 28th, 2015
10AM - 11AM - All Levels Class
11AM - 12PM - Brown and Black Belt Class
12:30 PM - Kyu and Dan Testing

Cost:
Seminar and testing:  $65
Seminar  only:  $40
Single class:  $20

Location:
Garden City Collegiate
711 Jefferson Avenue

Bunkai-Jutsu Seminar with Sensei Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan - June 4-5, 2016

21/7/2015

 
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Click here to register online!

On behalf of Budo IKD Manitoba I am pleased to present the Bunkai-Jutsu Seminar with our very special guest, Sensei Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan, from Cumbria, England.  Mr. Abernethy has taught in Canada before, but this will be his first time visiting Winnipeg!

As you might have guessed, the focus of this 2-day seminar will be on kata applications, which we commonly refer to as bunkai.  Specifically, we will be focusing on practical kata applications in the context of self-defense. So what exactly does Bunkai-Jutsu mean?  Sensei Abernethy explains the term in the introduction to his book:

The term 'Bunkai-Jutsu' is taken to mean 'the application of the techniques and concepts of the katas in combat.'  the word 'bunkai' literally means 'analysis'.  Hence, when people talk about 'kata bunkai' they are referring to an analysis of the kata.  However, throughout the karate community 'bunkai' is the common term used to describe the fighting techniques of the kata.  The term 'Jutsu' means 'method' and is used in reference to the actual application of techniques in combat, eg 'Kenjutsu' - 'the method of using the sword in combat.'  Hence, 'Bunkai-Jutsu' can be taken to mean 'the application of the techniques and concepts of the katas in combat.'

- Bunkai-Jutsu: The Practical Application of Karate Kata


These days, Mr. Abernethy is extremely busy on the seminar circuit traveling the globe teaching his practical approach to karate.  His schedule is booked solid for nearly two years.  We were fortunate enough to secure a date well enough in advance that works for both parties. 

We have two very full days of training in store for you.  About 12 hours of instruction on the topic of practical karate and kata bunkai!  The seminar will be held at Garden City Collegiate in the main (centre) gym, which is brightly lit and features hardwood floors.  

Spots are limited!  In order to maintain a good level of instructor/student interaction, we have limited the number of participants to 60, at Abernethy Sensei's request.  Please take advantage of the early bird registration to ensure your place at what will very likely be a sold out event.  

This seminar is open to individuals who are at least 16 years old and hold the rank of 1st Kyu or higher.  Karateka of all styles are welcome to attend. 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to training with you at what will surely be an event to remember.  See you at the seminar!

Best regards,

Phil Harris
Seminar Coordinator  

Seminar and Testing with Shihan Clive Hinds, 7th DAN, March 21st, 2015

22/2/2015

 
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Mark your calendars!

Manitoba's own Shihan Clive Hinds, 7th DAN, IKD, will be conducting seminar and testing in Stonewall, MB on Saturday, March 21st,  Sensei Hinds has over 30 years of experience in Shotokan Karate, is a certified IKD instructor and examiner, and is the Chief Instructor for Budo IKD Manitoba. 

Training starts at 9AM.  Normally, we hold seminar over a couple of days with testing happening at the end.  Because this will all take place on one day, there will be a few classes for students to take part in, along with some fun activities, before taking their KYU or DAN examinations.  

All students are expected to attend even if you are not testing.


Schedule of Events

9-10 AM - Instructor Class - Topic #8
10AM - 11AM - Brown and Black Belts
11AM to Noon - All Levels
Noon - 12:30 - Lunch Break
12:30 - 1:30 - All Levels
1:30 - Black Belt and Kyu Testing

What:  Seminar and Testing with Shihan Clive Hinds
When:  Saturday, March 21st, 2015

Where:  Royal Canadian Legion, 459 Main Street, Stonewall Manitoba

Cost:
Seminar and Testing:  $65
Seminar only:  $40
Single class:  $20

Seminar and Testing with Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th DAN - December 5th and 6th

27/10/2014

1 Comment

 
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Budo IKD of Manitoba is proud to host seminar and testing with Shuseki Shihan (Founder and Chief Instructor) Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th DAN of the IKD, on December 5th and 6th.  Based out of Toronto, Ontario, Master Woon-A-Tai has over 50 years of karate training to share with us.  We are very fortunate to be able to bring Master Woon-A-Tai to Winnipeg on a regular basis.  


Here is the schedule of events:


Friday, December 5th, 2014
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM:  Kyu Levels (White to Purple)
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM:  Brown and Black


Saturday, December 6th, 2014

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM:  Kyu Levels (White to Purple)
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM:  Brown and Black
12:30:  Testing All Levels


Cost:
Seminar and testing:  $65
Seminar  only:  $40
Single class:  $20




1 Comment

What is the Dojo Kun?

15/9/2014

 
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Calligraphy by Master Masatoshi Nakayama
Shotokan Karate follows the principles of the Dojo Kun, a set of guidelines for the dojo and for your everyday lives.  We recite the Dojo Kun in English at the end of each All Levels class:

DOJO KUN
Hitotsu!  Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER

Hitotsu!  Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
BE FAITHFUL

Hitotsu!  Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
ENDEAVOR TO EXCEL

Hitotsu!  Reigi o omonzuru koto
RESPECT OTHERS

Hitotsu!  Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR

We will start reciting the Japanese version at the end of the advanced class.  For simplicity, we stick to English for the all levels class, as it is more important to understand the concepts in English than it is to (often poorly) recite it in Japanese.  Any student is welcome to start learning the Japanese on their own.  If you need help with pronunciation, feel free to ask a Sensei or Senpai sometime.

The English version of the Dojo Kun has been widely adopted in English-speaking Shotokan Karate dojo all around the world.  Some schools have further shortened the fourth principle, Endeavour to Excel, to just Endeavour, so don't be alarmed if you hear this when visiting another dojo.  In general, the English version of the Dojo Kun we use today is a fairly loose and inaccurate translation of the Japanese version originally written by the founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi.

Below, Sensei Richard Amos provides a much better explanation of the true meaning of the Japanese Dojo Kun.  He breaks down the meaning behind the Japanese kanji characters.  Having spent many years training in Japan at the JKA Honbu Dojo (Headquarters), Sensei Amos speaks Japanese fluently with excellent pronunciation.  Please have a look.
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    Phil Harris
    5th Dan
    Head Instructor
    Heijoshin Karate 
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    phil@heijoshinkarate.com

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