Beaumont Karate-Do Inc. 2.24

STYLE OF KARATE
Beaumont Karate-Do Inc. offers instruction in the traditional Japanese Karate system of Shito-Ryu. The Shito-Ryu system was devised by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1957) in 1926. He blended the teachings of his two principal instructors, Anko Itosu who taught Suri-Te, which emphasizes speed and Higaonna who taught Naha-Te, which emphasizes power. The word “Shito” was made from combining the names of these two teachers. Shito-Ryu together with Shotokan, Wado-Ryu and Goju-Ryu comprise the major systems of Japanese Karate practiced today.

ORGANIZATION
Beaumont Karate-Do Inc. is a member of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF), which is directed by Master Fumio Demura, (1961 All Japan Karate Champion). All student grades are registered and endorsed by the JKF International. Steve Hartnett founded Beaumont Karate-Do in 1988 as a sub-club of Sherwood Park Karate-Do. He has been instructing since 1983 and continues to teach in Sherwood Park. Sensei Hartnett turned the club over to Ken Tomashiro (3rd dan) in 1995, who retired from the club in March 2008. Current head instructor Kendall Watson began her training in 1991. She presently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd dan black belt). Since its inception, Beaumont Karate-Do Inc. has turned out 13 black belts, among them Sempai Case Watson (3rd dan) who also helps out with class instruction. Both Sensei Watson and Sempai Watson hold black belts (1st dan) in Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) and continue to further their studies of Shito-Ryu Karate and Kobudo by attending monthly Instructor training sessions and yearly seminars with Master Demura at the Canadian Honbu (Canadian main dojo in Lloydminster Alberta), as well as yearly tournaments and seminars in California, USA. All black belt instructors at Beaumont Karate-Do Inc. are certified to teach karate by the JKF and are registered under the main registry in Japan.