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Gima-Ha's executive committees.
OUR ROOTS
A collection of articles about Makoto Gima, the roots of karate, our people and out principles.
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A collection of articles about Gima-Ha and the practise of karate.
OUR DOJOS
BLACK BELTS
Alphabetical listing of our black belts, with email link where available.
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The Roots of Gima-Ha Karate: Contents
Master Makoto Gima
Master Makoto Gima was born on September 28, 1896 in Okinawa. After graduating from Okinawa Shihan Gakko (Higher Normal Scool), Mr. Gima studied in Tokyo at Shoka Daigaku (presently Hitotsubashi University). In 1912, under the guidance of both Masters A. Itotsu and K. Yabe, Mr. Gima chose the way of karate.
Although he was weak since infancy, it was through his study of karate that he became healthy and strong. Eventually he became an Okinanwan born master of two ways - martial arts and scholastic studies.
The History of Karatedo
By James Johnson, Technical Director
The basic forms of individual self-defence are probably as old as the human race. The art of Karate as it is practiced today can be traced to the Okinawan technique called, in Japanese, Okinawa-te (Okinawa hands). This system of self-defence in turn is a descendant of the ancient Chinese art of ch'uan-fa or kempo (fist way).
There is a famous Chinese legends regarding the origin of kempo. The renowned Indian Buddhist monk Daruma Taishi journeyed overland from India to China to instruct the Liang dynasty monarch on the tenets of Buddhism. He remained in China at a monastery called Shaolin-szu and taught Buddhism to the Chinese monks there. He explained to them that although the aim of Buddhism is the salvation of the soul, the body and soul are inseparable and in their weakened physical state they could never perform the ascetic practices necessary for the attainment of true enlightenment.
Looking at our roots
by Nicole LeMire
As an instructor, new students or their parents, often ask me from time to time to explain the origin of our Association. For their benefit and for other members, I am sure, I chose to write something about the history of our Association.
It all started many many years ago, but I'll begin in 1922 when Master Funakoshi from Okinawa father of modern Karate and founder of Shotokan made a first successful demonstration at The Kodokan (Judo Head Quarter) in Tokyo. His goal was to introduce karate to the world of martial arts. Since then, Japan and the world knew karate. During his demonstration in Tokyo, Makoto Gima, a former student of Shihan A. Itosu and Shihan-dai K.Yabu, assisted Funakoshi.
Gima-Ha: People & Principles
Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karate is named for Makoto Gima, who, as a student and associate of Gichin Funakoski, was instrumental in the modern development of Karate. His legacy is carried on by three modern Masters — Ikuo Higuchi, Mitsunori Kobayashi and Hidetada Narumi. Shihan Narumi, who was apprenticed to Master Makoto Gima, started karate instruction in Canada in 1970. Shihan Narumi's work in Canada has been carried on by a number of his students, including Shihan Tak Sameshima, currently the chief instructor of Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo in Canada.
Karate principles of Master Makoto Gima
Gima Sensei, on the occasion of 88th birthday, recorded his teaching of the pursuit of excellence, revealing to his disciples the depth of karate.
Heart, Technique, Body
Through hard training, Karate seeks to foster a spirit that strives for truth and respect for others. It aspires to a complete and rounded character. In Okinawa, the Karate expert is called Bushi, namely a person of character, pure and noble, who has mastered the mysteries of the true art.