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.

Master Makoto Gima (1896-1989)

This year marks the 101th anniversary of the birth of Makoto Gima, one of the seminal figures in the modern history of karate. Master Gima, who began his karate studies in 1912, was an early student and then associate of Master Gichin Funakoshi, considered the father of modern karate. When Funakoshi gave his famous karate demonstration at the Kodokan – introducing the martial art to Japan for the first time – Gima was there, demonstrating kata and kumite.

Gima-Ha's Modern Masters

The legacy of Master Makoto Gima is carried on today by three distinguished Japanese masters.

Ikuo Higuchi is the Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Chief Instructor. He is 8th Dan black belt and is president of the Seibu-Sangyo Co. Ltd. He also serves as an executive member of the International Martial Arts Federation, continuing a strong tradition of service to the art by members of Gima-Ha.

Mitsunori Kobayashi is a 7th Dan black belt. He attended Meiji University and graduated with a master's degree from Otani University. Shihan Kobayashi is an alderman in the Japanese city of Ojiya and is assistant Buddhist priest of Jyosho-Ji. Shihan Kobayashi's e-mail addres is kkmm@mxm.meshnet.or.jp

Hidetada Narumi is also 7th Dan black belt. He apprenticed to Master Gima in 1963 and, in 1970, brought Karate to Canada. In 1974, Narumi Sensei invited various instructors to form the B.C. Branch of the National Karate Association, and served as its first president. He left Canada in 1980 to return to Japan.

Tak Sameshima

Chief Instructor Tak Sameshima

Tak Sameshima, Chief Instructor of Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryo Karate-Do, is 6th Dan black belt. His accomplishments in karate are such that he was named a member of the National Karate Association's Hall of Fame (located in Charlottetown, PEI) in 1993.

Included among his achievements as a competitor are national gold medals for kata in 1977, 1978 and 1979 and a bronze medal at the 1978 Pan American Championships.