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William began his weapons training in the early eighties when he was studying Shito Ryu Itosukai Karate-do. Under the instruction of Sensei Kaz Hashimoto (now sensei for Odokan Karate-do). William learned the fundamentals for the Bo, Sai, and Tonfa. His interest in weapons grew and he began to study Kobudo under Soke Seiko Suzuki, founder of the Shito Ryu Karate-do Seiko-kai in Tokyo, Japan. Sensei Suzuki received his Black Belt in Kobudo in the late sixties from Shinken Taira. Sensei Suzuki was also one of the most senior students of the late Ryusho Sakagami, a noted weapons expert and headmaster of Itosukai Karate-do.
William received his third degree black belt from Sensei Suzuki in Suzuki-Ha Kobudo in 1998. In 2002, William wanted to expand his knowledge in Ryukyu Kobudo and began to train in the Tesshinkan system under, Soke Hidemi Tamayose. As a member of the Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan since 2002, William presently teaches the Tesshinkan syllabus in the Vancouver area. William was the Canadian National Weapons Champion for the years 2000 and 2001. He has won numerous tournaments locally and in the United States. William is also proficient in Chinese weapons. In 1986 he won a Silver and Bronze medal at the 2nd World Wushu Championships in 1986 in Tientsin, China. He placed fifth in the world overall at that tournament. From 1985-1987, Karate Illustrated Magazine and Karate-Kungfu Illustrated Magazine ranked William the “Top Ten” in forms and weapons. Back |
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