Our Chief Instructor
NASKA was created as a vehicle by which to facilitate the instruction of our members by one of the worlds most outstanding karate instructors: Yasuo Sakurai. Renowned not only for his superb technical skills, but also for his instructional abilities and his great personal charm, Sakurai Shihan has had an extraordinary career in karate. The following are merely a few highlights:
- 7th DAN - JKA, one of the highest-ranked JKA instructors in Canada.
- Began training in 1964 at the Fujieda Branch of the JKA under Nikaido Sensei and later under Ikumi Sensei.
- Graduated from Komazawa University, where he studied under Oishi Sensei.
- A top national-level competitor in Japan.
- Former coach of the Quebec team, the British Columbia team and the Shizuoka team.
- Coach of national and international champions, including 1996 Shoto Cup (JKA World) Men's Kumite Champion, Don Sharp.
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion - February 2002
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion - October 2002
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion (Jiite) - October 2003
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion (Jiite) - October 2005
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion (Jiite) - November 2006
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - Kata Champion (Jiite) - November 2007
- All Japan JKA Masters Championship - 2nd place in Kata (Jiite) - November 2008
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