Daihyo Shihan, Isao Yabunaka, 8th Dan Hanshi
Shihan Yabunaka is our Chief Instructor as well as the Chief Instructor of Seiwa Kai Canada. Shihan began his training in 1964 in Tokyo under Grandmaster Gogen Yamaguchi. After moving to Canada in 1970, he continued to train in Japan each year under Grandmaster Shuji Tasaki. He has enjoyed teaching in Ingersoll since 1989 where the dojo first opened at the Cami Gym. His passion for karate inspires all of his students to always try their best and never give up. He has the strong ability to incorporate the traditional training he endured with training that can involve all individuals wanting to learn this martial art. He loves to watch students compete and achieve their goals in competition environments. His favourite training is neko ashi kumite and his biggest goal is to make sure that his students get to practice this kumite and learn the techniques and tactics involved.
Shihan Yabunaka is our Chief Instructor as well as the Chief Instructor of Seiwa Kai Canada. Shihan began his training in 1964 in Tokyo under Grandmaster Gogen Yamaguchi. After moving to Canada in 1970, he continued to train in Japan each year under Grandmaster Shuji Tasaki. He has enjoyed teaching in Ingersoll since 1989 where the dojo first opened at the Cami Gym. His passion for karate inspires all of his students to always try their best and never give up. He has the strong ability to incorporate the traditional training he endured with training that can involve all individuals wanting to learn this martial art. He loves to watch students compete and achieve their goals in competition environments. His favourite training is neko ashi kumite and his biggest goal is to make sure that his students get to practice this kumite and learn the techniques and tactics involved.
Shihan Alexander David, 5th Dan
Shihan Alexander has been training under Shihan Yabunaka for almost 15 years. He has had great success competing as a member of the provincial and national team for many years. He currently serves as the Secretary of Seiwa Kai Canada and has also served on the OKF Board as the Athlete's Representative. He enjoys practicing kata and helping students with competition training.
Shihan Alexander has been training under Shihan Yabunaka for almost 15 years. He has had great success competing as a member of the provincial and national team for many years. He currently serves as the Secretary of Seiwa Kai Canada and has also served on the OKF Board as the Athlete's Representative. He enjoys practicing kata and helping students with competition training.
Shihan Mary David, 5th Dan
Shihan Mary has been training under Shihan Yabunaka for almost 15 years and has extensive coaching experience. She is one of very few females to achieve the ranking of 5th dan with Seiwa Kai and the first female in Seiwa Kai Canada to receive a 5th dan, Shihan ranking.
Shihan Mary has been training under Shihan Yabunaka for almost 15 years and has extensive coaching experience. She is one of very few females to achieve the ranking of 5th dan with Seiwa Kai and the first female in Seiwa Kai Canada to receive a 5th dan, Shihan ranking.
Shidoin Victoria Rode, 3rd Dan
Shidoin Victoria has trained under Shihan Yabunaka for 12 years and enjoys helping teach the children's karate classes. She has competed at the Karate Canada Nationals four times and enjoys training to compete at tournaments. She continues to participate in NCCP coach development opportunities to work towards her goal of becoming certified at the Competition Development level.
Shidoin Victoria has trained under Shihan Yabunaka for 12 years and enjoys helping teach the children's karate classes. She has competed at the Karate Canada Nationals four times and enjoys training to compete at tournaments. She continues to participate in NCCP coach development opportunities to work towards her goal of becoming certified at the Competition Development level.
Sempai Matthew Digulla, 1st Dan
Sempai Matthew has been training for three years and enjoys practicing kata and kumite. He competed at the National Level for the first time in 2019 and looks forward to competing again next year. He works very well with the younger students and is able to teach them in a fun and engaging manner.
Sempai Matthew has been training for three years and enjoys practicing kata and kumite. He competed at the National Level for the first time in 2019 and looks forward to competing again next year. He works very well with the younger students and is able to teach them in a fun and engaging manner.