SPORT SHORINJIRYU KARATE, BRIBIE ISLAND DOJO
We thought we would write about the Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo, Seiryukan Dojo. Its’ history and aims, but let’s talk about the Karate Style first, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo. “Shorinjiryu” means the School of the Temple in the Pines, referring to the Shaolin Temple in China while Koshinkai means the School of the Old and the New. Modern Shorinjiryu was established in Tokyo in 1947 by Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka. Kaiso Hisataka studied with and was a contemporary of many of the original Karate Masters in Okinawa before moving to Tokyo. Shorinjiryu in Australia established membership of the Japanese Shorinjiryu in 1977 and has continued to this day. The motto of Shorinjiryu Karatedo is “Spiritual development of individuality in mind and body.” No two students are the same and are allowed to progress at their own mental and physical pace. The philosophy of Koshinkai is that you can’t go forward without first looking back. Learn from history. Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karate is internationally affiliated with the
Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai in New York and has access to many of the senior ranked Shorinjiryu Instructors Worldwide. They have access to local, National and International competitions and all Australian grading’s are internationally recognized. Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo is a not for profit association with several Dojos in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The Family Dojo of Lesley and Jim Griffin on Bribie is “Seiryukan”, which means “The Life Dragon Dojo.” The Dragon refers to the Griffin Family Crest and “Life” means that their Karatedo is a lifelong pursuit of excellence. The Dojo was named by the son of the Founder of Shorinjiryu Karatedo, Hanshi Masayuki Hisataka many years ago. Jim and Lesley commenced training with Shorinjiryu Karatedo in the early 1980s and have continued their unbroken journey since. Jim’s love of Karate commenced originally in the late 1960s and he joined Shorinjiryu after a break. Jim, 8th Degree Black belt and Lesley, 7th Degree Black Belt have both been awarded their “Shihan” or “Master” title while Jim has also been awarded the title of “Kyoshi” or “Associate Professor”, all their promotions have been awarded by internationally affiliated Senior Instructors. Apart from Jim and Lesley, there are three other Black Belt Instructors training at the Seiryukan Dojo at Bellara. They are not for profit and don’t run their Dojo as a business, Class sizes are kept small so the student has personal exposure to Black Belt Instructors
during their Karate training. Sensei Dee Foster, 3rd Degree Black Belt and Sensei Leisa Dunmore, 3rd Degree Black Belt, have been solid supporters of the Griffins for many years and their dedication to the improvement in the Seiryukan students is very much appreciated by all. Dee has followed Jim and Lesley from their original Kallangur Dojo, through their Burpengary Dojo and finally to the Bribie Dojo. She still lives at Kallangur and travels to Bribie for her training. She has been a supporter for around 20 years. Leisa is a local businesswoman and Grandmother who has supported the Griffins for over 10 years, her Jiujitsu cross-training has brought another positive element to the Dojo. Another Black Belt member is Eric Tabor, 1st Degree Black Belt, who has been with the Dojo for over 5 years and is happy to assist wherever he can. Being a Traditional Karate Style, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karate teaches self-defence, Kata (forms), two-person drills, fighting techniques and traditional weapons which includes Bo (staff) Jo (short staff) Sai (forked weapon) Eku (oar) and sword (for more senior members) Weapons training is gradually introduced to each student as they progress through the grades. Shorinjiryu Karatedo is a traditional Japanese Style and as such teaches traditional values of respect for yourself and others. “Karate begins and ends with Respect”
'The Bribie Island Lions Club recently received a donation of $1000 from The Bribie Bowls Club to aid the club in installing security at their storage shed after 2 recent break-ins. The Bribie Island Lions Club are most grateful for the financial assistance given to us.'
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The Bribie Islander
