SPRING 2010 NEWSLETTER

 

 

Karate Kids Visit Japan
 

Thanks to the generosity of kind sponsors such as , a key group of hardworking and dedicated students from Shudokan Karate and Education Canada Society was selected for a karate training and cultural visit to Japan. They  travelled to Japan in the first two weeks of October 2009. The students that made the trip were:

 

 

The trip was an incredible adventure for the students given that they had never travelled internationally or really too much anywhere before. The first thing that they realized on boarding the international flight from Vancouver to Tokyo is that they could watch movies and play electronic games for ten hours, and soda pop could be ordered by pushing the button for the flight attendants.

 

In Tokyo the youth were able to visit the Emperor's castle, Electronic City (a gigantic electronics shopping mall that displayed the most modern in Japanese wizadry), and the Tokyo Tower (a replica of the Eiffel Tower). The students took the high-speed bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. In Kyoto they were treated to a dinner intended to honour Master Shiomi on the occasion of his receipt of his 9th degree black belt. The dinner was attended by high-level instructors from throughout Japan. While in Kyoto the students had the rare honour and privilege of training with Master Shiomi. As well, they visited the Golden Temple, a local castle and a Hollywood-like film studio.

 

From Kyoto the students travelled to Osaka. Enroute to Osaka they visited the Nara Temple where they were able to see the gigantic bronze Buddha and feed the domesticated deer in the park on the temple grounds. In Osaka the students visited the famous Osaka Shogun's Castle and many other sites. Throughout the trip the students were privileged to meet many of the highest level instructors in Japan who are close friends of Sensei Nomada.

 

As an inaugural venture, the trip was a huge success. The students had an experience that they will remember and treasure for the rest of their lives. The Shudokan Society would like to extend their sincerest regards to the sponsors who made it possible. The students are extremely grateful and appreciative of being provided with such a incredible opportunity.

                       Christmas Party 2009

 

 

In December 2009, Shudokan held its annual and much anticipated (by students) Christmas party. The children and their families were treated to a performance by a clown entertainer, munched on pizza, and chicken, and other tasty treats. The Karate Kids of the Year were awarded prizes for their hard work, regular attendance and good attitudes (to be recognized separately in future newsletter). Lastly, the students posed for the annual club photo and left with goody bags full of special treats.

 

 

Special Guests Visit Shudokan

 

One of the more interesting results of the 2010 Olympics is that the Maori Band Soul Papa travelled to Vancouver to play in the New Zealand pavilion. A member of the Band was entertainer and Maori weapons expert Tuari Dawson. Mr. Dawson is also a very accomplished third degree black belt in Goju Ryu karate. He was invited to the club school and lead the students to a class of Maori weapons demonstration and practice.

 

On that same day as performing and teaching at the dojo, Sensei Dawson also enjoyed his birthday. The following day Sensei Nomada celebrated his 60th birthday. The students and volunteers of Shudokan would like to extend again a happy birthday to Sensei Nomada and Sensei Dawson.

 

More recently Grand Chief Morris Shannacappo from the Southern Chiefs Organization Inc., representing the 36 First Nation communities from southern Manitoba, visited Vancouver and dropped in for a visit to the Delta dojo. It was a great honour having Grand Chief Shannacappo visit--not only a great spiritual and political leader but a wonderful musician and performer.

 

 

Background & Website Updates

 

Shudokan is now in its 8th year of providing free martial arts lessons and perspective-broadening educational experiences to underprivileged children and students of East Vancouver. This year over 1,000  students and members of their families will have participated in the the program. The purpose of the program is to teach healthy living, self-control, manners, responsibility, discipline, and self-defence to challenged inner-city children. Shudokan also strongly supports and promotes education as a way to better your life. Though the program is located in the gym of the Grandview/?Uuqinak'uuh Elementary School it is open to all students, parents, and grandparents at no cost.

 

 

Also as mentioned previously, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Touchstone Webworks Inc. the Society website is now available in Japanese.

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For further information go to: http://www.shudokan.ca/ or Call (604) 275-6670


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Shudokan is a non-profit society intended to help Aboriginal and inner city children and youth move forward in education and life through the practice of martial arts. Since its inception, it has had over 1000 students join, and is now in its 8th year of operation.

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