Our goju ryu instructors are certified through the Karate Canada National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and consistently pursue NCCP coach development opportunities to offer the highest quality instruction to our beginner, intermediate, and competition level students. To learn more about our awesome goju ryu karate teaching team, check out our instructors’ bios.
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Hanshi Isao Yabunka
Chief Instructor 8TH Dan Hanshi Pronouns - He/Him Full Instructor Biography
Shihan Yabunka is the Chief Instructor here at Ingersoll Karate and Chief Instructor of Seiwa Kai Canada. Shihan began training in Tokyo in 1964 under the tutelage of Grandmaster Gogen Yamaguchi and was mentored by Grandmaster Shuji Tasaki after moving to Canada in 1970. He first opened the dojo at the Cami Gym in 1989 and his passion for karate has engaged countless students since. Shihan Yabunka provides his students with the ability to compete and achieve to the best of their ability by combining his traditional training with methods that encourage students of all experience levels and interests— be these in martial arts generally or the specifics of goju ryu. His favourite training is neko ashi kumite and he loves to see his students learn the techniques and tactics involved in this kumite. |
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Shihan Mary David
Instructor 5th Dan Shihan Pronouns - She/Her Full Instructor Biography
In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Shihan Mary is one of a small percentage of women to achieve the ranking of 5th Dan with Seiwa Kai, and is the first woman to receive a 5th Dan Shihan ranking from Seiwa Kai Canada. She has trained in goju ryu under Shihan Yabunaka for 15 years. |
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Shihan Alexander David
Instructor 5th Dan Shihan Pronouns - He/Him Full Instructor Biography
Shihan Alexander has trained under Shihan Yabunaka for 15 years and has seen great success competing on the Provincial and National karate teams. He is currently the secretary of Seiwa Kai Canada and has served on the OKF board as the athlete’s representative. He enjoys practicing kata and providing students with competition training. |
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Shidoin Victoria Rode
Assistant Instructor 3rd Dan Shidoin Pronouns - She/Her Full Instructor Biography
Shidon Victoria has trained under Shihan Yabunaka for 12 years and is pursuing further NCCP coach development while working towards her goal of being certified at the competition development level. She enjoys teaching the kids karate classes and has competed at the Karate Canada Nationals four times! |
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Sempai Matthew Digulla
Instructor 1st Dan Pronouns - He/Him Full Instructor Biography
Sempai Matthew has been training for three years and competed at the National level for the first time in 2019. He enjoys practicing kata and kumite and specializes in teaching younger students in a fun and engaging manner. |