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Biography
Kim was born and raised in a small town in Alberta, Canada. The pioneer heritage on her father's side imbued her with an inner strength, a determination to succeed, and a respectful attitude towards her fellow man and Mother Earth. Given her strong, healthy and hardy ancestral line, it’s no wonder that Kim was born with an inherent spirit of adventure. Her mother, an English war bride was a literary, intellectual person, tolerant of and respectful toward individual and cultural differences. She taught Kim to value education, to love learning, books, travel, music and people, traits Kim’s proud to see reflected in her own three sons.
Kim says that her study of karate provides
the opportunity for self-discovery, and serves as a constant reminder that we
all have more inner strength, courage and talents than we may sometimes realize.
A positive attitude, regular training, the ability see our own strengths and
weaknesses, and willingness to strive for self-improvement, are all as essential
to the study of karate as they are to life.
Contact Me
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Personal
Information
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Current
occupation or profession
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Teacher
(grade 5) – currently at a 'cyber-school'
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Marital
Status
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Single
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Children
and Ages
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3
sons: age 23, 21, 19
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Hobbies,
special interests or skills
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Traveling,
playing guitar, singing, writing songs, reading, skiing, skating,
swimming, dancing, painting, etc
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Age
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50
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Karate Information
| Current Rank |
Nidan |
| Total Years Of Study |
7.5 years |
| Current Style |
Shohei Ryu |
| Current Dojo |
Desa School of Karate |
| Dojo Location |
St. Alberta, Canada |
| Current Instructor |
Manuel Desa, 4th Dan |
| Association Affiliation |
Okikukai/Shohei Ryu |
| Karate and other martial
trainings and years attended |
a. Started training in Shoehei-ryu in Oct./96.
b. Two trips to Alan Dollar's dojo for Koshukai/Taikai, June 1998, and Koshukai June, 2002 where I had the good fortune to train under masters like Kyohide Shinjo, Master Shinyo
Gushi, Sensei James Thompson, Yoshimitsu Matsuzaki, Sensei Rick Martin, and having the privilege to meet Seiko Toyama, as well as fellow karateka from around the world.
c. Local, week long, Koshukais with various local black belts plus, including special classes with:·
Allan Dollar, 1997·
James Thompson, February, 1999·
Master Gushi, April, 2000·
Mark
Brelsford, March 2001·
Gustava Gondra, April, 2002·
Tsutomo Nakahodo, July, 2002
d. Participate in annual Desa Tournaments, plus Neil Dunnigan's and JP Uechi Ryu tournaments, all in Edmonton as well as some open tournaments involving other styles:· 1 gold, 2 silver, 6 Bronze medals, mostly in Kata, some in sparring· Golden Gate 98, California, bronze in sparring, best 8 in competition, kata
e. General Assist with tournaments, judging kata and kumite, sit on
testboards, assist with fund raising events, participate in the assistant instructor program
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| Other Martial Arts or
Weapons Studies |
a. 1978, Chito-ryu, several months training, orange belt, would have liked to continue, but unable to due to change of residence. (Moved to rural area where no was training available.)
b. Learning, through self instruction,
c. Basic Japanese language, useful words/phrases,
d. Aspects of karate history, Okinawan history/culture through Karate related reading:
Ex: The Tao of Jeet Kun Do, Bruce Lee, The essence of Okinawan Karate-do, by Shoshin Nagamine, The complete Shotokan Karate, by Robin Reilly, Secrets of Uechi Ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa, by Alan Dollar, An Introduction to the Historic, Cultural and Social Phenomenon of Okinawa Karate, by Jon D Mills and the American Uechi ryu Handbook
e.
Kobudo - Instructor: Gustava Gondra. Association: World Kobudo
Shobukai Federation", Argentina. Green Belt
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Karate Promotions
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Rank
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Certificate
Number
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Date
of Issue
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Location
of Promotion
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Ikkyu
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May 1998 |
St. Albert, Canada |
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Shodan |
5339 |
November 25, 2000 |
Edmonton, Canada |
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Nidan |
2672 |
November 30, 2002 |
Edmonton, Canada |
Educational Background
| College/University/Vocation
School |
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada |
| College Degree(s) |
Bachelor of Science in Geology, Bachelor
in Education |
| Post Graduate Work |
a. Certificate in French
b. Currently
working on learning Japanese |
At what age did you begin to study karate?
I first became interesting in karate by studying Chito-ryu at age 23, but was not able to pursue that for long. I began my study of Shohei-ryu at age 43.
Why did you choose to study karate?
I originally chose karate as a form of exercise, an activity that could be shared with my husband. I renewed my study (changing to Shohei) when change of residence made it possible. I was, again, looking for a fitness activity that would provide more than just a fit body, wanted one which would provide something to occupy the mind as well. I also wanted the opportunity to be part of a club, and thought of karate right away. I appreciate the atmosphere of respect within the realm of karate, the camaraderie of brother-sisterhood, both within the dojo and amongst friends made in travels to events around the world, the opportunity to improve fitness level, focus, the challenge of self improvement and the satisfaction of achieving goals. I try to apply the principles/philosophy of karate to daily living.
Was there a reason why you chose to study Uechi Ryu?
I searched local area for best school, one with quality instruction; felt that the choice of instructor was more important than the style. I wanted someone exemplary, could tell by watching classes that some schools/instructors did not have what I was looking for. When I discovered Desa, I knew I had found what I was looking for.
What does this tour to Okinawa mean to you?
I am a person very interested in history and culture, one who appreciates diversity. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Okinawa, to meet and train with other women who are as dedicated to the art as I am myself. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to meet and train under the guidance of the masters who are offering to share their vast knowledge with us. I look forward to training and touring, having the chance to experience cultural events. I feel it is the chance of a lifetime and very fortunate to be apart of such an historic event.
How has your martial arts study affected or changed your life?
To me karate is much more than a sport, hobby or fitness activity. I try to apply the principle of focus, dedication, goal setting, brother/sisterhood and respect, which are fundamental to the art, to all aspects of my life. I feel it has helped me realize my potential and become a better person. Over the years, my karate experiences have greatly enriched my life, helped me to become a stronger, better person, in body, mind and spirit, and I cherish the opportunity to make friends, around the world, with those who share these very important values.
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