About Us: What is Kenseikai Karate?
Kenseikai is based on kyokushin karate. It was started about 20 years ago and is currently headed by Mori Kensei. There are 9 dojos in Japan and members are allowed to use any of the dojos. An article featuring the dojo and its founders can be found on The Japan Times Online.
Azuma Dojo:
We as students of Azuma Tetsuro honour his teachings and philosophies as the source of our knowledge thus the honbu dojo of the Canadian branch is the Togoshi-koen dojo, in Tokyo, Japan.
While Hilda and Robert sensei are both trained by Azuma Tetsuro, they were graded by Mori Kensei, Kancho of Kenseikai and Azuma Tetsuro and thus is recognized by both Kenseikai and the Azuma Dojo. As students of Robert and Hilda sensei, you will be a part of the Azuma Dojo and gradings recognized by members of Togoshi-koen. Those who wish to may also arrange to be graded through Kenseikai.
While Hilda and Robert sensei are both trained by Azuma Tetsuro, they were graded by Mori Kensei, Kancho of Kenseikai and Azuma Tetsuro and thus is recognized by both Kenseikai and the Azuma Dojo. As students of Robert and Hilda sensei, you will be a part of the Azuma Dojo and gradings recognized by members of Togoshi-koen. Those who wish to may also arrange to be graded through Kenseikai.
What we do
Azuma Dojo's Kenseikai Karate leads the way to personal reform and character building. Through Karate training together we develop the emotional, physical and spiritual strength necessary to overcome any hurdle. Emphasis is placed on skills demonstrated through kata (forms), and application through kumite (sparring). True strength is measured through the heart.
The principal aim of Kenseikai is to cultivate upstanding people for today's society with an even balance of Mind, Body & Spirit
(心技体一如 = SHIN-GI-TAI ICHINYO).
Kumite is conducted to discover your strengths and weaknesses. As martial artists, you will learn to attack and defend with skill and tact. As we are full contact, kumite is conducted with only shin-instep guards, and optional gloves. Punches to the head and neck are not allowed, however kicks to these areas are encouraged. Despite this violent sounding practice, we emphasises kumite without injury.
The principal aim of Kenseikai is to cultivate upstanding people for today's society with an even balance of Mind, Body & Spirit
(心技体一如 = SHIN-GI-TAI ICHINYO).
Kumite is conducted to discover your strengths and weaknesses. As martial artists, you will learn to attack and defend with skill and tact. As we are full contact, kumite is conducted with only shin-instep guards, and optional gloves. Punches to the head and neck are not allowed, however kicks to these areas are encouraged. Despite this violent sounding practice, we emphasises kumite without injury.
About Hilda Chan Sensei
“Hilda is one of the best female Karate players at Kenseikai.”
~Simon Matoba, Chairman Kenseikai
I first began learning Karate at the Togoshikoen Dojo, in Tokyo Japan under the instruction of Azuma Tetsuro, 4th dan black belt. Putting my whole heart into training, I quickly advanced to an orange belt in a few short months, surpassing other long time members. I was never fazed as the only female in this dojo, sparring with men who were bigger and stronger at every lesson. Being able to hold my own gave me greater confidence as a person and as a fighter. Prior to returning to my home town Toronto, I demonstrated my full range of kata and underwent a 10 men kumite earning my black belt. I finished my tenure at Togoshikoen by teaching the lesson as a black belt, leading the group from stretching to drills, kata, and a final 10 man kumite. It was my greatest pleasure to train with the fantastic men of Togoshikoen Japan and I will apply the spirit and manner of Azuma sensei to my own classes in Canada
~Simon Matoba, Chairman Kenseikai
I first began learning Karate at the Togoshikoen Dojo, in Tokyo Japan under the instruction of Azuma Tetsuro, 4th dan black belt. Putting my whole heart into training, I quickly advanced to an orange belt in a few short months, surpassing other long time members. I was never fazed as the only female in this dojo, sparring with men who were bigger and stronger at every lesson. Being able to hold my own gave me greater confidence as a person and as a fighter. Prior to returning to my home town Toronto, I demonstrated my full range of kata and underwent a 10 men kumite earning my black belt. I finished my tenure at Togoshikoen by teaching the lesson as a black belt, leading the group from stretching to drills, kata, and a final 10 man kumite. It was my greatest pleasure to train with the fantastic men of Togoshikoen Japan and I will apply the spirit and manner of Azuma sensei to my own classes in Canada
About Robert Hibberd Sensei
I first started learning karate in England when I was 18 years old . I studied karate for 3 years and kung fu for almost 2 years before travelling to Yokohama where I was introduced to Azuma sensei. I studied under Azuma sensei at Togoshikoen and worked at the Kenseikai Honbu dojo, also learning from Mori Kancho. I was awarded a brown belt after finishing a 10 man kumite at a JPN grading in Miyagi prefecture and a black belt upon completing my second 10 man kumite at our dojo in Tokyo.
I studied Japanese language and culture at the University of London and Kansai University. I will try to give my students the genuine feel of what it's like to study martial arts by following the traditions and etiquette I learned in Japan.
I studied Japanese language and culture at the University of London and Kansai University. I will try to give my students the genuine feel of what it's like to study martial arts by following the traditions and etiquette I learned in Japan.
Togoshi-koen Dojo, Tokyo, Japan. March 2010
