Shito-Ryu Seikokai Karate-do Canada Akira Y. Sato 8859 Selkirk Street Vancouver, B.C.  V6P 4J6 Phone: (604) 321-1815 Fax: (604) 321-1815 President Akira Y. Sato Vice Presidents Roy Tippenhauer Scott Cheung Treasurer Ger Vandeursen Secretary Gail Kolody Membership Ans Steenman Directors at Large Mert Horita - Lower Mainland Todd Robertson - Vancouver Island Mark Stacey Merchandise Rosella Ng Newsletter Editor Carol A'Hearn Shito-Ryu is one of the four main styles of Karate, and has practitioners worldwide. Our style, formally known as Shito-Ryu Seikokai, is presently headed by Grand Master Seiko Suzuki in Japan. The Pan American Master, or Shihan, of Shito-Ryu Seikokai is Akira Sato of Vancouver. Shihan Sato was a student of Grand Master Suzuki. As you can see, lineage generally follows through your instructor. The word karate comes from the two words "kara" (empty) and "te" (hand). Thus, karate is known as "empty-hand" and is considered the most efficient and effective way of unarmed combat. Karate itself teaches students to move quickly, block effectively, create strong stances and make powerful strikes using hands and feet. Shito-Ryu develops character by training the practitioner physically, mentally, and spiritually. The aim is to develop all aspects in a harmonious manner. Since Karate is taught in a disciplined manner, it acts to discourage those of weak character who might use the art in a dishonourable way. Karate without character is violence. The five rules of Seikokai, recited before every practice, translate into English as: Be moderate and courteous Be righteous and have a strong sense of justice Be modest in your words and actions Respect others Karate-do is a lifetime study Shito-Ryu Seikokai hosts an annual tournament which invites athletes from across Canada and around the world. Over 500 competitors participate, vying for the popular Sato Cup. The association also performs demonstrations and has an annual summer camp where the community is invited to watch or participate. Workshops by internationally renowned Karate practitioners are often hosted by Shito-Ryu clubs. Shito-Ryu Karate was founded by Kenwa Mabuni. He named his style after his two teachers, Itosu and Higaonna. The word "shito" comes from the Japanese characters used to write his teachers' names, while "ryu" means style - hence the name Shito-Ryu. Following Mabuni's death, his student, Sakagami, founded the Itosukai Association. The main headquarters remain in Yokohama, Japan to this day. With the passing of Sakagami, Grand Master Suzuki created the Seikokai Association. Tokyo is the now the main base for the Seikokai Association. Shihan Akira Sato was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1944. His father was a policeman and a judo practitioner. When Grand Master Suzuki created the Seikokai Association, Sato was promoted to his new position. Shihan Sato obtained a Bachelor of Sociology from Hosey University and a Teaching Certificate for Social Studies before moving to Canada in 1970. Akira Sato has become a major contributor to Karate in Canada. He has served on the National Karate Association (Sports Canada) as a member of the technical committee, and on the Karate BC Association (Sports BC) as a Technical Director. Shihan Sato is the President and Chief Instructor for Japan Karate-Do Shito-Ryu Seikokai Canada and Chief Instructor for Pan American Seikokai (including Argentina and Mexico). Main Vancouver Akira Y. Sato Campbell River Roy Tippenhauer Courtenay Todd Robertson Gibsons James McCarthy Kingsway (Vancouver) Mark Stacey Ladner Mert Horita Mid-Island Diane Karo Nikkei Centre (Burnaby) Mert Horita Pemberton Wim Tewinkel Powell River Patrick Haynes Richmond Tony Kim UBC (Vancouver) Curtis Gerlinger Unison Way (North Vancouver) Ron Bagley (Head Coach, Karate BC) Kingsway Shito-Ryu Karate Club, Vancouver, B.C. Vancouver Shito-Ryu Karate Club, Vancouver, B.C.