The dojo is dedicated to the development of the human spirit in each person as an individual.
A Brief History of Renbukai
As early as the 1920’s accomplished practitioners of many different styles of Karate in Japan found themselves in search of a more practical way to train realistic but still traditional karate. During the 1930’s and 40’s they came together in a fusion of styles and developed what is known today as Renbukai Karate. Renbukai means literally “to meet to forge the martial way”. This is why there is no one master of the style. Students of all ages are able to train Renbukai karate safely. Over 400,000 people in Japan train Renbukai. The Kanto Sho Karate Club is the longest running Renbukai Dojo in Canada and is registered with and licensed by the Japan Karate-do Federation Renbukai.
Traditional Training
It is commonly known that Karate is a powerful fighting art. Karate training develops discipline, inner strength, improved self-confidence and self-esteem. Along with increased fitness, the Karate practitioner takes these from the dojo, improving life at work, school, leisure and sport.
Training need not consume vast amounts of your time, if an individual has limited spare time to train, their skills will still develop. Karate is a process which successfully develops the mind and body. At the dojo, group training creates community and connection, while recognizing individual levels of achievement. It is noted that parents regularly comment on their children’ enhance ability to concentrate at school and home, their increased confidence and self esteem and ability to self-regulate.
Instructors at the dojo also realize that as we age our bodies change. This can create physical challenges and limitations to training, though it should not stop adults from joining and experiencing the personal development that karate offers at any age. Dojo instructors work with the students to modify exercises and drills to maximize the development of the students skills.
“As a parent of a sometimes timid 11yr old, Kanto Sho Karate Club hits all the right notes for me. Beyond the physical benefits of learning Karate skills my son has benefitted greatly from the stepped goal-based learning, clear expectations on discipline, respect and genuine hard work. The club provides this all while building a very close community focused equally on fun, humour and social activities. That environment has helped my son’s self confidence to blossom. That confidence and focus has spread to other parts of life helping with school and his other passion snowboarding. Thanks Kanto Sho!” KSK Parent
“I like working hard to get to the next level. I find it really funny when Sensei’s joke with us and tease us. It makes the training easier and fun. I like that there are many different kinds of people at the club but we are all doing the same thing.” KSK Student
Training Space
The Kanto Sho Karate Club is built in the tradition of the Japanese Dojo. It is approximately 1600 square feet of hardwood floors, mirrors and there are men’s and women’ change rooms available. All required protective equipment, punching bags and fitness equipment are supplied by the Dojo. As with all Dojo’s there is an etiquette that students must adhere to as demonstrative of respect for the training space and for student safety. Examples of these are:
- No shoes on the dojo floor
- No running around prior to or after class in dojo
- No gum or jewellery in class
- Talking during class time is kept to a minimum
- Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo
- Ask for permission prior to using the equipment in the dojo
- Cell phones kept on vibrate
- Advanced students absent for an extended period of time, will wear a white belt at the discretion of the Sensei until advised otherwise (less pressure on the returning student and affords them the ability to redevelop their level of skill)
*All etiquette will be reviewed with students.
This is a traditional dojo following the examples of the teachings of our instructors throughout time, both in Canada and Japan – please treat the space with respect.