Tsuruoka Karate Kitchener

Tsuruoka Kai Karate Do offers a place for Youth and Adults who wish to study and practice Karate in the Kitchener and Waterloo area. We are one of the oldest martial arts clubs in the K-W area and have been teaching traditional Shotokan karate for the past 25 years. We are a not for profit, community based organization and a Minor Sports Club affiliated with the City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo.

Our instructors (Sensei and Sempai) are experienced, dedicated and senior black belts who volunteer their time and knowledge to work with all of their students. Dave Chin-Cheong is a Shichidan (Seventh degree black belt) who has studied karate for approximately 45 years. Sensei Dave's approach is to gently lead his students toward their goal of exploring Tsuruoka Karate-do.

Tsuruoka Karate is named for its founder Masami Tusuroka (10th Dan) who introduced Karate to Canada over 55 years ago and is considered to be the Father of Canadian Karate. O'Sensei Tsuruoka originally studied karate in Japan under Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose, and after moving to Canada set up his first karate dojo in Toronto in 1957.

Karate is derived from the Japanese words Kara - Empty and Te - Hand and literally means Empty Hand, or the use of the hands without weapons for self defense. So you registered and paid for your kid to take part in a sport, bought the expensive uniform and equipment, paid a facility rental fee and then only to find that your kid ends up sitting on the bench and not getting playing time.

The following Belt Mandates are a guide to the student for advancement to the next level of study. Remember, you must be able to demonstrate all Kihon, Kata and Kumite learnt at previous levels. A student must have a clear understanding of all techniques presented. Maximum speed and power is not a prerequisite to graduation, although strong spirit and concentration is mandatory.