Our inaugural class was held on April 8, 2002. The Hinode Shotokan Karate Club practices traditional Shotokan Karate-do, a style of martial art based on the principles of Master Gichin Funakoshi. Funakoshi Sensei was a pioneer, who was instrumental in introducing Karate-do to mainland Japan from Okinawa. He is considered by many karate practitioners to be the father of modern karate.
The Hinode dojo takes pride in the development of a courteous and spirited training environment. What we teach is not a sport, but a method of using the mind, body and spirit to better ourselves in our training, as well as our daily life. Our training environment is non-competitive, with each student working not only to improve him or herself, but to help the other students improve as well. We hope that our traditional training methods will help to develop practical self defense skills, all around physical fitness and positive character traits in all of our students.
Hinode Karate is affiliated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation of British Columbia (ISKF BC), and Karate BC. All karate instruction is provided by certified Karate BC instructors and ISKF BC instructor trainees. The majority of classes conducted at the Hinode dojo are taught by Sensei Krister Naab, ISKF Godan (5th degree black belt) in Shotokan Karate-do.
Supplemental instruction by visiting ISKF Masters is offered through the International Shotokan Karate Federation three times a year.
Examinations are offered approximately three times per year. Students are considered for promotion based on a combination of their commitment to training, work ethic and skill level. Advancement is not dictated by the period of time spent at a particular rank. Students are encouraged to train as often and diligently as possible. All promotions are conducted by certified ISKF examiners.
Students under the age of 10 may be considered for membership, but only if they demonstrate a strong work ethic and desire to learn. Acceptance is completely at Sensei's discretion.
