Shaolin-Tzu Martial Arts Academy

Big congratulations to Nolen, Jon, and Carey on their recent promotions!
• Nolen – Shodan Kobudo
• Jon – Shodan Kobudo
• Carey – Yondan Karatedo

These ranks are not given lightly. They represent years of commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Each of you has shown true dedication to your training and deep respect for the art, and your hard work has clearly paid off. Congratulations on these well-deserved achievements!

The grading ceremony is a chance to celebrate students' progress and reflect on our own journey as martial artists. Congratulations to everyone who participated, your dedication and growth are truly inspiring!

Congratulations to Corbin and Jon on achieving the ranks of Yondan (4th-degree black belt) and Nidan (2nd-degree black belt), respectively. This accomplishment reflects your dedication, discipline, and years of hard work. Your success is truly well deserved.

We had a successful and memorable Spring 2025 grading event.

This grading was particularly special, as it featured a wide range of ranks, from sixth-kyu yellow belt all the way to fifth-degree black belt (Godan). It was truly inspiring for our newer students to witness the full journey of martial arts progression, and to see firsthand what can be achieved through consistent training, dedication, and perseverance.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in their grading - you all did a fantastic job. Your hard work and commitment were clearly evident. Keep training with focus and spirit.

On Saturday, March 29, our dojo hosted a DNBK format RyuKyu Kobudo seminar with a focus on Bo jutsu and Jo jutsu.

Following the traditional DNBK format, the event commenced with an formal opening kata presentation (Harae no Gi) by Renshi Miska, who demonstrated Nobori Ryu No Jo Sho.

Following this, participants engaged in training sessions designed to accommodate a wide range of experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced Kobudo practitioners. To ensure effective instruction, participants were divided into smaller groups, allowing instructors to tailor the training to the specific needs and experience levels of each group.

The seminar concluded with a formal closing kata presentation (Osamae no Gi) by Hanshi Mark, who performed Oyadomari No Kon, leaving everyone inspired.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Sensei Kightly, Sensei Trottier, Renshi Usatch, and all members of your respective dojos (Island Aikido, Vancouver Traditional Martial Arts Dojo, and CARSA Shorinji-Ryu Academy) for your participation and support. We hope you found the seminar both enjoyable and beneficial to your practice.

We look forward to welcoming many of you at future seminars. Until then, keep training and refining what you have learned.

Last Sunday, our dojo had the incredible opportunity to participate in the annual Kick Start 2025 Aiki-Fest at Island Aikido.

It was a truly amazing event, especially for many of our students who were introduced to and experienced Aikido for the very first time. During the event, Hanshi Richard Mark led a session on Jo waza, covering the principles of using the Jo in our style. The energy, collaboration, and dedication displayed by everyone were truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to all the instructors who made this event unforgettable: Sensei Alix Flavelle, Hanshi Richard Mark, Sensei Greg Martin, Sensei Judith Berman, Sensei Jim Kightly, and Sensei Fred Haynes. Your passion and guidance continue to inspire us all.

We are really looking forward to the next Aiki-Fest!

Kagami Biraki 2025

Last Monday, we began the New Year with our traditional Kagami Biraki event. Kagami Biraki, meaning Mirror Opening, reminds us to examine ourselves with honesty and clarity, polishing our spirits to strengthen our focus, purpose, and commitment for the year ahead.

This year's training session truly embodied the spirit of Kagami Biraki. Together, we completed over 1,000 blocks, kicks, and punches, demonstrating unwavering determination and unity. The collective energy and dedication of all participants created an inspiring atmosphere, setting a powerful and positive tone for 2025.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this meaningful event. May the strength, spirit, and dedication cultivated during Kagami Biraki guide you throughout your training and personal endeavors this year.

Gasshuku 2024 - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

With motivation and joy, we look back on last month’s Gasshuku. Over 25 Karateka from the West Coast of Canada gathered at Shaolin-Tzu Martial Arts Academy, filling the dojo with vibrant energy and dedication.

The event started with a kata presentation (Harae no Gi) by Sensei Mark, who performed Hechi Fuku Jin (Eight Immortals Crossing the River). After four classes given by Sensei Usatch (Renshi), Sempai Miska (Renshi), Sensei Mark (Hanshi), and Sensei Lindsay (Renshi) and a refreshment break, the Gasshuku was concluded with a kata presentation (Osamae no Gi) by Sensei Lindsay, who performed Nahanchi Sandan.

We feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunity to learn from such accomplished masters, who together hold nearly 200 years of experience in classical martial arts and Budo philosophy.

A special thank you to Sempai Miska for coordinating the event, Jon and Viet for organizing refreshments, and Collin for sharing his homemade carbonated water and kombucha.

And to all participants – thank you for making this Gasshuku truly unforgettable!

Congratulations to the new 6th Kyu’s! well done!

CARSA Shorinji Ryu Academy

Congratulations to all those that attempted their grading !

Do your best every moment, strive for perfection, although you know that you will never achieve it.

Congratulations to all members of the Honbu Dojo and CARSA Dojo who graded, and showed their dedication to continuing personal growth and learning.

What does your actions cause?

Actio equals reactio – this is a fundamental principle of physics. It means that every action causes a response. This principle of is also true for human interactions.

Let’s regard an example: Summer 1945, Japan. After the 9th of August, in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world will never be the same. The USA dropped two devastating bombs and destroyed humans, houses and nature for several decades. We still can feel this impact today.

This principle of dependent origin is valid for both, positive and negative impacts.

With Budo, you can experience the principle of dependent origin on a fundamental level; in the ex*****on of techniques as well as in partner exercises.

Let’s choose our actions and responses wisely, to change the world sustainably to a better place. We are happy to welcome you at our dojo!