In the
early eighties, I studied Wado-ryu under Master Masaru Shintani. I started from the beginners kata (form) to black belt kata.
During the
summer of 1984, I started my own karate club because of my children while still training with Master Shintani until his last
class at Onteora (Japanese Cultural Center) . The club was located in my basement. Two months later, we moved the club to
Blessed Kateri School due to the growing number of students. The rest is history.
Now we have five locations and the club head quarters is located at Sherwood Park in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
My hard work
and persistent training paid off when Master Masaru Shintani awarded me my 6th
Dan, on a Friday night in December, 1999. I was extremely flattered when
Master Shintani, in his poor physical condition, came to my club in a wheel chair, offering
advise to me, my students, parents and friends regarding martial arts. It is
with deepest regret that my Master pasted away on May 7, 2000, leaving behind a legacy in martial arts here in North America
and that will forever live at J.R.’s Karate Club.
Currently
I hold a 7th Dan (HICHIDAN) Black Belt awarded by Master Barry Lane and Master Rick Joslin, was received August
28, 2004.
Today I work
closely with Sensei Nick DiVincenzo, 5th Dan (GODAN) Black Belt, Sensei Mike McCowell, 5th Dan (GODAN)
Black Belt, I am very proud of my instructors, students, parents and friends who have made the club what it is today and who
believe in me to teach the proper style of martial arts.
