I started training karate because I was a very small boy for my age, this partially led me to be very shy and introverted. We were not very well off and we found that the Institute of Karate offered reasonable rates. I came to appreciate the quality of instruction and leadership at the dojo as time went by. My father passed away shortly after I joined karate, I found myself consumed by training. Forging my body and mind, for me karate-do is truly a way of life not just a thing to do or hobby. The dojo was safe from the problems of the outside world. The instructors became strong adult figures that I respected (aside from my amazing Mother) in particular Sensei Frank Koch, he was the most powerful karate person I have ever met, his skill is beyond anyone I have ever known. Sensei Koch’s teaching methods were fierce but perfect for the time and me. My mother constantly worried when I came home from the dojo with many injuries. We were truly forged in the martial way and I loved every minute of it. These teaching methods would not fly so much in this modern world and of course I/we do not teach this way.
Karate has and continues to give me life, direction, discipline, perseverance and focus. No one will be turned away from this dojo, karate is that important to me. Tournaments and personal achievements are nice, we talk about them because they are a small measure of the quality of training. The true success of an instructor is how the training affects the student, how they turn out, and what it does for their life.
A brief history of training & life experience
I started training Karate in 1978 and I have been teaching Karate for over 40 years.
Instructors in Canada:
- Heinz Rottman
- Manfred Rottman
- Nick Drazenovich
- Frank Koch
Instructors in Japan:
- Onadera Sensei
- Kurokawa Sensei
- Koide Sensei
- Kikumura Sensei
- Konahara Sensei
Accomplishments:
- 6th degree Blackbelt (the highest-ranking instructor outside of Japan)
- Over 40 years of experience teaching karate/self defense to children, youth, and adults of all ages
- Licensed Registered instructor with the Japan Karate Federation
- Received “Jokyoshi” in 2007, this is the official license to teach Renbukai Karate. Awarded by the All Japan Karate-do Federation Renbukai.
- Karate Alberta Coach: 2019 – 2021
- All Japan Tokyo Full Contact Champion – Gold Kumite
- Ebina Japan City Championships – Bronze Kumite
- All Japan Full Contact Tournament (Team Kumite) 3rd place X 3
- Team Canada Coach All Japan Full Contact Renbukai tournament
- Kurokawa Cup (Japan) – 2x best referee award
- World Police Fire Games – Bronze Kumite
- Police Fire Can/Am Games – Gold Kumite & Gold Kata
- First aid certified
- High Five trained
- Retired Police Officer
- Police Subject Control Instructor