Greenstone was honored by the visit of O'Sensei Tsuruoka on Sept 13, 14 and 15^th 2008

Karate in Canada owes its mass introduction and development to one person MASAMI TSURUOKA

Born in Cumberland, British Columbia, Canada on January 12, 1929, Masami Tsuruoka moved to Kumamoto, Japan in 1945 with his father shortly after the conclusion of World War II. (The Tsuruoka family, as with most Japanese families living in Canada at that time was placed in 'Internment Camps' for a few years in Tashimi, B.C. and later at Roseberry.)

Shortly after moving to Kumamoto, a popular rumor has it that a gang of street punks subjected Masami to a severe beating. This episode led him to seek Karate instruction from a Karate master in the area.

Since then, he's been president and founder of numerous Karate associating across the world. O'Sensei has been visiting the Longlac area for more than 25 years. Sensei Andre Courtemanche, Sempai Lise Courtemanche, Sempai Jean-Pierre Houle, as many other locals, have had the privilege of training under his guidance.

Although O'Sensei Tsuruoka is in his early 80's, his love for Karate has never been stronger. On Sept 13.08 he directed a Karate clinic at the Longlac Tsuruoka karate Club. Guests from Thunder Bay Karate club, Hearst Karate club and Geraldton Club were present at this clinic.

After the clinic we walked over to the Shinto, located near the east entrance of Longlac, where we took a group photo. As we arrived to the Shinto, were greeted by the songs and drums played by a member a local First Nation, Fred Patabon. O'Sensei always had a found respect for one's individual cultures.

Later we gathered at the Longlac Senior Center, where current and passed Karate members enjoyed a potluck super and entertainment by Julie Bouchard. Caroline Davis presented O'Sensei with a nice gift on behalf of our club in recognition of his 50 year of Karate in Canada.

On Sept 14.08 the club organized a small fish derby, and O'Sensei Tsuruoka braved the cold stormy weather to enjoy a little fishing on the Kenogamisis lake.

Many thanks to the entire businesses community for their generous prizes donations. A special thanks goes out to the Kenogamisis Fish and game Club for the use of the Club house.

O'Sensei Tsuruoka truly enjoyed his visit to Greenstone, He said that the love and friendliness he gets here cannot be found at his clubs in Toronto, and this is why he keep's coming back. Not too many Karate clubs around the world have had the privilege of seeing O'Sensei on such a regular basis. He even mentioned that he regrets not buying a cottage here when he had the thought of doing it many years ago. During is numerous visit he's always enjoys a nice walk in the bush, looking for mushrooms, and doing a little fishing.

It was truly an honor having O'Sensei Tsuruoka in our area, and we look forward to his next visit.

Be sure to check out the photo Gallery page

Please take note of the new time and date for the upcoming start of a new season in Geraldton. See below for more details.

Sempai JP Houle with Student of the year 2008 Kyler Lafrance

Who Are We

The Longlac Tsuruoka Karate Do Inc. consists of two clubs. One in the Longlac and one in Geraldton. Our club is a group of approximately 40 members that was started over 30 years ago. We have members ranging in ages from 5 to 68yrs. The two clubs are as follows:

Longlac Tsuruoka Karate Do Inc.
Geraldton Tsuruoka Karate Do

Our purpose is to teach the art of karate (empty hand). Karate is a nonviolent art it is used to become physically and mentally fit. Karate becomes a way of life for each individual. Karate promotes:

• Physical fitness
• Learn self-defense
• Gain self-confidence
• Becomes an active participant of a grown sport

History

The Longlac Tsuruoka Karate Do Inc. has been in operation for over 30 years and is a member of the National Karate Association, Karate Ontario, World Union Karate Organization, Pan American Karate Union, and International Amateur Karate Federation. Karate style is shotokan. Our club has undergone many changes over the years but one thing that has stayed true is our heritage. The Geraldton Tsuruoka Karate Do opened their doors in September 2005.

 National Karate Association: http://www.nka.ca/index.htm

Karate Ontario: http://karate-ontario.com/

World Union Karate Organization: http://www.wukf-karate.org/novo_site/Index.html

Heritage

Masami Tsuruoka is the Founding Father of Karate Dõ in Canada. He was born in Cumberland, BC. In 1945 he traveled to Japan to begin his studies in the martial arts. Starting with Judo, he attained the rank of 1^st degree Black Belt.

He returned to Canada after studying Karate for ten years and opened this country’s first Karate dojo (school) in 1959. The very first Karate tournament to be held in North America was initiated by O’Sensei Tsuruoka. He was also responsible for organizing the National Karate Association which is the governing body of Karate in Canada, representing the country in world tournaments and matters relating to World Karate Organizations.

The Spirit of Karate Dõ teaching of Masami Tsuruoka “O’Sensei” is an introductory collection of over half a century of experience.

O’Sensei Tsuruoka currently holds a 10^th degree black belt in Karate.

 http://www.shitoryu.org/bios/tsuruoka/tsuruoka.htm

Our Instructors

Head instructor Sensei André Courtemanche

Sensei Lise Courtemanche

Sensei Jean-Pierre Houle

Locations/Times

The Longlac Tsuruoka Karate Club is located in the basement of the Longlac Seniors Club. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sensei André Courtemanche or Sensei Lise Courtemanche at (807) 876-4404

The Geraldton Tsuruoka Karate Club classes are given at the St. Joseph school gym, held Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 with adults continuing to 8:30 p.m.

Sensei Jean-Pierre Houle at (807) 854-1443

Everyone welcome.

For more information on Tsuruoka Karate:

http://pages.interlog.com/~brat/tkf/home.html

CONGRATULATION  GERALDTON TSURUOKA  KARATE  KA`S.     

   THE THUNDER BAY TSURUOKA TOURNAMENT  WAS HELD SATURDAY FEB 16 /08,  AS THE FATHER OF KARATE ,  O-SENSEI TSURUOKA 10TH DAN,  CELEBRATED HIS 50TH YEAR OF KARATE  IN CANADA . 

THE RESULT OF THE KARATE COMPETATORS ARE AS SUCH,  BACK LEFT ROW:  SENPAI J.P. HOULE, INSTRUCTOR,   JEROME COUTURE - GOLD KATA, SILVER TEAM KATA, 4TH KUMITE, BRANDON LACHAPELLE,  SIVER TEAM KATA,  BRONZE KUMITE,  KYLER LAFRANCE, BRONZE  KATA, BRONZE TEAM KATA,  DYLAN KOROSCIL, BRONZE TEAM KATA,  ALEXANDRIA LAFRANCE, GOLD KATA, BRONZE TEAM KATA, MARIE-MICHELE DALAIRE, SIVER KATA, BRONZE TEAM KATA, 4TH KUMITE, MICHEL LAFRANCE, BRONZE KATA, SILVER TEAM KATA, FRONT LEFT  ROW: DANIEL BARRETT, GOLD KATA, BRONZE TEAM KATA, SILVER KUMITE,  LOGAN DELANEY, SIVER KATA, 4TH TEAM KATA,  MARCO COUTURE, SILVER KATA, BRONZE TEAM KATA, GOLD KUMITE, CORI MAENPAA  WHITE BELT  BRAVE STUDENT TO COMPETE IN HER FIRST COMPETITION.  THANK-YOU TO SENSEI ANDRE COURTEMANCHE AND SENPAI LISE COURTEMANCHE FOR THEIR SUPERB LEADERSHIP.  OS!  

To view the Chornical Journal artical, check out this link.

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories_local_sports.php?id=92486

 This year Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Karate in Canada.