Barrie Ryusei Karate-Do

Japan just watched one of its shrines crumble in seconds.

The photos coming out of Kumamoto are breaking hearts across the country.

On Tuesday afternoon, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kyushu — registering the maximum level on Japan's seismic intensity scale.

At the Yatsushiro Castle Ruins, the shrine that stood at its heart came down. Stone lanterns snapped. Pillars collapsed. The roof caved in.

Here's the cruel twist of history: this castle only exists because of an earthquake. When a quake destroyed nearby Mugishima Castle in 1619, Yatsushiro Castle was built to replace it.

The shrine rose on the ruins of the castle keep in 1883 — built to honor Prince Kaneyoshi, a 14th-century imperial prince who once ruled all of Kyushu.

It's one of just fifteen shrines in all of Japan honoring the loyalists of the Kenmu Restoration.

Now, 400 years after an earthquake gave this place its beginning, another one has torn it apart.

The images spread to 4 million people within hours.

And then came the update everyone was waiting for: the priest is okay.

At least 13 people have died across the prefecture, and rescue teams are still searching.

Japan has rebuilt its sacred places before. It will rebuild them again.

Our thoughts are with everyone in Kyushu. 🙏

We are excited to welcome Sensei Peter Giffen to Prince Edward Island for an unforgettable weekend of training on August 14 & 15 in beautiful Rustico.

Sensei Giffen is the Technical Director for Ryusei Karate-Do Canada and has travelled to Japan several times and studied directly under Master Tsuyoshi Chitose, the founder of Chito-Ryu Karate and Sensei Ken Sakamoto, the founder of the Kumamoto, Japan-based organization and the chief instructor of Ryusei Karate-Do.

⚠️ Pre-registration is required in the link below

https://forms.gle/Ry2BfKv5AdknRG4bA

Full schedule to be posted closer to event.🥋👊

From last night’s practice in the park.

Our karate classes will be held tonight at their usual times in St. Vincent Park.

St. Vincent Park · 60 Blake St, Barrie, ON L4M 1J9, Canada ★★★★★ · Park

Nandy Bagin, of Barrie Ryusei Karate, received his 4th Dan certificate after testing in front of Sakamoto Sensei last month.

As I announced in class last night, on Thursday night (tomorrow) we will hold our classes at the regular times in St. Vincent Park, near the waterfront, at St. Vincent and Blake Streets.

Kids can wear their karate uniforms with running shoes and hats. They should also have sunblock and bug spray just in case. And they should have water bottles so they can stay hydrated.

Adults and teens are free to wear either karate uniforms or track pants and t-shirts. (They should also have water bottles, hats, running shoes, sunscreen and bug spray).

I will bring some popsicles for after class.

See you in the park tomorrow.

Goodbye Japan