About Shintokukai

A Living Martial Arts Tradition
Shintokukai, while one of the most established martial arts organizations in British Columbia, simultaneously remains one of only a small handful of classical Okinawan Karate and Kobudo (traditional Okinawan weaponry) schools in all of Canada. Our sophisticated and multi-layered training syllabus provides an in-depth and historically accurate picture of the original Shorin-ryu Karate - the oldest style of Karate, pre-dating and having formed the basis of many, more modern styles, including: Shotokan, Shito-ryu and Wado-ryu. Systematically passed down from master to student in the ancient keishou tradition (keishou: individually inherited succession of knowledge from master to student; see: History & Lineage), the Karate we practice is advanced: a non-diluted and extremely bold style of Karate possessing a vast spectrum of martial techniques lost to antiquity in modern Karate and virtually non-existent in other sport-oriented systems. Ryukyu Kobudo, the weapons component of our syllabus (see Youtube video below), provides a uniquely challenging - or complimentary study to Karate, as the two are kindred arts. With both current and ancestral roots firmly established in Okinawa, Shintokukai members enjoy a rare and authentic training experience.

Wide Appeal, But Not For Everyone
Highly exhilarating and challenging both physically and mentally, Shintokukai classes can be experienced on many different levels. Whether your goals are to pursue a serious study, learn to defend yourself, develop physical fitness, relieve stress, or simply to enjoy yourself while learning new skills, our unique structure has wide appeal in that it offers numerous benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. This is not to say, however, that our method of training appeals to everyone. Shintokukai classes are generally strict and taught in a disciplined atmosphere of rigorous training and respect for tradition. Although we do not expect our members to make martial arts their life, a certain sincerity and willingness to learn is expected.

Community Oriented
Shintokukai is a community-focused organization. We are proud of our school as having a well-established open door policy along with a strong proactive sense of community spirit. One example of our community spirit in action has been in our hosting numerous free self-defense seminars for the general public at various community centres and neighborhood houses throughout the Lower Mainland. Furthermore, we enjoy participating in local community events such as the Vancouver Sun Run and the Pacific Spirit Run.

Not For Sport
Shintokukai is a non-competitive school. Our training system is designed for self-defense, not for sport, and therefore would be impractical in sports-based competitions. For reasons of conditioning in training, we do not teach two methods: one for sport, one for self-defense. Students are taught a single, consistent message at all times. Our viewpoint is that classical martial arts traditions are not meant to be sporting contests between persons, but instead are last resort methods of personal protection, as well as paths of self-development. In short, we take very seriously our promise, and subsequent responsibility, to provide one of the most reliable, tried and proven self-defense curricula found anywhere in the World.

Physical, Not Violent
Although we concern ourselves with fighting techniques, Shintokukai is a peaceful school. "Tough talk" and boastfulness are never permitted. Classical Karate and Kobudo are aesthetic art forms which stress maturity and self-control. In actuality, self-defense is not necessarily the central reason many of our members study with us. This is especially true of our more advanced students who have long since addressed any basic self-defense concerns they may have once had upon beginning their training. However and in regard to the fighting side of our arts - they are never to be used outside of the dojo, except as a last resort (see our school creed for more information). While possessing techniques that can cause serious harm to others, classical martial arts training contains an ethical centre which strongly rejects violence as a means of solving problems. These ideas are especially emphasized in our Youth Program.

Respect & Courtesy For All
Finally and very importantly, all Shintokukai members regardless of rank or experience are always treated with respect and courtesy. Although hierarchical in nature and containing some military overtones, training with us is not like joining the army! Indeed martial arts training is very much about respect, and this we believe should include respect for everyone involved, student and instructor alike. At Shintokukai we want our members to feel welcome, develop a sense of belonging and feel our dojo is a place they can call their own.

All Are Welcome!
It is our pleasure to invite you to share in this tradition of excellence with us in an effort to help nurture the preservation of authentic Okinawan Karate and Kobudo in our small corner of the World.