Lakeshore Karate is not just a martial arts dojo; it’s a community hub where individuals of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and embrace the art of karate.
Lakeshore Karate offers a unique blend of traditional martial arts training and modern self-defence techniques, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The dojo emphasizes traditional techniques, respect, integrity, and discipline while upholding the teachings of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do.
“We are an official Jundokan International dojo. We are a Goju Ryu karate dojo that places a strong emphasis on traditional techniques, respect, integrity and discipline,” said Wayne Currie, chief instructor at Lakeshore Karate. “Our objectives focus on the preservation and practice of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do according to the teachings of the founder, Sensei Chojun Miyagi as passed down by our teacher Sensei Teruo Chinen.” According to Currie, a fifth-degree Black Belt, students start at the age of seven and range all the way up to adulthood. They offer two kids’ classes for ages 7 to 10, two teen classes for ages 11-14, and a mixed teen and adult class for ages 15 and older. Forty-five minute classes are held on Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
“We offer a low-cost program that takes away some of the financial obstacles to allow students an opportunity to participate, learn and develop,” said Currie. “We teach the students both karate and kobudo (weapons training). By learning both, it allows students to enhance their experience and practice,” said Currie.
Lakeshore Karate has been operating since 2007, when it entered into an agreement with the Municipality of Lakeshore to rent the Libro Centre’s multi-purpose room for a martial arts school. The school’s philosophy is that through karate training, individuals not only learn how to defend themselves but also develop mental strength and resilience. “My teacher, Sensei Teruo Chinen, believed in being good citizens…you can learn to kick, punch and block, but you need to be a good citizen and give back. And that’s where we’ve excelled. It’s a very holistic approach to themselves as people,” Currie added. “We’ve had students who started at five years-of-age, go on to be black belts and come back here to teach.”
Teaching alongside Currie are other very qualified instructors from the Lakeshore Karate program.
“A typical session begins with a warm-up, working through the basic foundations, self-defence applications,” said Currie. Then we work through Katas, a series of memorized patterns.”
Aliyah ‘Sunshine’ Kern, 16, has been participating since she was five-years-old.
“I love it…When I was younger, it was more about the exercise and socializing. Today, I have a lot of interest in the history, background and tradition of it all,” she said. “Around Green Belt, it becomes more challenging… it’s fun and enjoyable …but, you need to have the mental strength to succeed.”
Kern, who plans to pursue a career in nursing, says the discipline of the program has assisted in improving her confidence moving forward in life.
Lakeshore Karate focuses on fostering a strong community among its members. Regular events, social gatherings, and competitions promote camaraderie and lasting friendships. Students are encouraged to support each other during sparring sessions and during local and regional tournaments.
“Tournaments give the student the chance to showcase what they’re about…not comparing, but a chance to show how they have grown,” added Currie. “We recently competed in the Windsor Open Karate Championships and did very well in medalling. For these students, what you put in is what you get out…that applies to all aspects of life.”
Interested in learning more? Visit lakeshorekarate.com.
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