SHIMIZU SENSEI
Yuka Shimizu is the current head instructor at the Canmore dojo of Chitoryu Yuseikan karate. She started her training in 1995 under the instruction of Ron Casey Sensei at the Canmore Karate Club. Currently, Shimizu Sensei is a Yon Dan (fourth degree black belt) with a Shidoin (instructor) certificate. She has trained under many different Chito Ryu instructors including Grad Shihan in Edmonton, Sabean Sensei in Calgary and Nakayama Sensei in Tokyo, Japan. She is a loyal and humble follower and life student of the head of Chitoryu, Sandaime Soke. She is also grateful to have Lee Sensei in Burnaby BC, as her direct Sensei and mentor who strengthens her connection to Soke.
Shimizu Sensei is a mother of three and is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the community. She is passionate about family, health, and understands the importance of balance in all aspects of our lives including mind, body, and spirit which is embodied in the study of Chito Ryu Karate-do.
Her dojo strives to have a family like environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.
LEE SENSEI
Chito Ryu Yuseikan (formerly Burnaby Chito Ryu) started in Burnaby, BC in 1980 under Gary Mah and Robert Lee. In 1982, under the direction of Robert Lee the dojo permanently moved from North Burnaby to Eastburn Community Centre, now renovated and renamed Edmonds Community Centre. Robert Lee has been the head instructor since that time. He is a 7th degree black belt with the title Kyoshi. Currently, this is the highest rank/title outside of Japan, the only other foreigner that is “senior” to Lee Sensei is his lifelong friend and mentor, Chris Taneda Sensei. Both are from BC, Canada. Besides Taneda Sensei, Robert Lee’s karate and life have been positively influenced by many notable instructors including: O-Sensei, Warren Mauer, Brian DeMasters, Gary Mah, David Akutagawa, Shane Higashi, Tsutomu Tashiro, Hiroshi Tanaka, Ryuichi Nakamura, Morimitsu Tamaki and his greatest influence Nidaime Soke.
The Chito Ryu style now has many splinter groups claiming O-Sensei as their founder. Chito Ryu Yuseikan is very fortunate to have direct lineage to O-Sensei as the dojo continues to follow his teachings through the Chitose family. Chito Ryu Yuseikan’s instructor, Robert Lee Sensei, is a direct student of Soke (Yasuhiro Chitose) who is O-Sensei’s son and the second generation Chito Ryu Soke. Soke makes annual visits to Chito Ryu Yuseikan and Lee Sensei trains in Japan regularly (usually 2-3 times a year).
Chito Ryu is a traditional Japanese martial art which offers not only self-defence but also excellent physical conditioning and preparation for life’s daily challenges. The students develop self-confidence, focus and learn to respect others and their community. The development of good character, self-esteem, and manners are emphasized.
The karate classes are fun and interactive; no special athletic ability or skill is required. Chito Ryu can be practiced by all ages, regardless of gender. Chito Ryu Yuseikan has a unique family atmosphere based on a mentoring system where older students work with younger ones to provide a supportive network. Students are encouraged to progress at their own rate and potential. The dojo offers classes to children 4 years and up, men and women, and to seniors.