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.

Master Gima received his shodan (1st degree black belt) certificate in 1924 from Master Funakoshi and in 1956, his 10th degree black belt from Master Toyama. Between these 33 years, Master Gima was a successful school teacher and principal as well as a 5th degree black belt in Judo, but his main focus remained in karate. He held many leading positions in the Japanese world of karate as well as president of Shisei-Kai Federation.

Gima's legacy was carried on by four of his students: Higuchi (currently 8th degree black belt), Kobayashi (currently 7th degree black belt), Narumi (currently 7th degree black belt) and Akahira. All are still active in Karate and are located in Japan. They are currently members of the Japan Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association Technical Committee with Shihan Higuchi being the Chief Instructor of the entire Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Association.

In 1970, Narumi Sensei, 3rd degree black belt at the time, came to British Columbia on a two-week vacation and visited local dojos. His stay was prolonged for ten years.

Six months after his arrival to Canada, at the age of 26, Narumi opened his own dojo. During his stay in Canada, Narumi formed the Canadian branch of the All Japan Karatedo Shisei-Kai Federation.

In 1974, the B.C. branch of the National Karate Association was incorporated and Narumi became the 1st President of the organization.

Before he returned to Japan, in 1980, Narumi asked Shihans Sameshima, Johnson and Felix to guide the development of the Federation in Canada.

Eighteen years later, the three of them are still very involved in the development of our Association and are members of our Technical Committee. Shihan Sameshima is currently the chief instructor for our Association in Canada. Shihans Johnson, Felix, and Legge are Technical Directors, and Senseis Wong and Worley have joined Sameshima, Johnson, Felix, and Legge on the Grading Board.

In 1989 with the death of Master Gima, Shisei-Kai Federation was renamed Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association to commemorate his contribution to modern karate.