About

What is Kyokushin
karate?

Karate in general is an individual participant sport performed and practiced with guidance from trained instructors. A great portion of karate training is done by ones self not requiring contact with other students.

Kyokushin Karate is a traditional form based style of karate, characterized by its realistic full-contact style of fighting, its emphasis on graceful power in technique and its use of “tameshiwari” (Board breaking) in the development of spirit and character.

This style of karate was developed during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s by the founder, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, 10th Dan. Kyokushinkaikan Karate is administered by the International Karate Organization-Kyokushinkaikan. The Kyokushinkaikan is one of the largest karate organizations in the world with over 12 million members worldwide, with its head-quarters in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan.

KYOKU means “The ultimate”

SHIN means “truth” or “reality”

KAI means “meet, join associate”

South Delta Kyokushin Karate Dojo is a member of the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan Canada (IKOKC). We follow the national and international standards for teaching Kyokushin Karate. The South Delta Dojo was established in the late 1980, and has always been run as a not for profit establishment. All of the instructors volunteer their time and efforts to giving back to the community, supporting youth and families.

Our goal is to facilitate growth in our students, of all ages. Growth physically, mentally and in character. The dojo provides an encouraging environment for our students both young and old to gain confidence and develop both martial arts and life skills. The etiquette of the dojo strongly emphasize respect and inclusion. Karate is an individual sport, each person has their own goals and aspirations. Some wish to obtain the knowledge and skills that will take them to black belt, while others wish to acquire basic skills to defend themselves, and find it an encouraging and motivating place to get in shape.

At the South Delta Dojo we have certain expectations of our students. These guidelines are set forth to help keep the dojo operating smoothly and efficiently. Please take a minute to read over the STUDENT EXPECTATIONS.

The Dojo

The Instructors

All of the instructors at South Delta Kyokushin Karate volunteer their time and energy inside and outside of the dojo. Most commuting from other ears of the lower mainland to teach 3 time a week. They all have complete police background checks; both Criminal Records Checks and Vulnerable Persons Check. All of the instructors have taken courses in, and at minimum are certified in all of the following:

First Aid
AED operation
CPR
Coaching BC Level 1 & 2
Concussion Awareness

The South Delta Dojo is lucky to have 5 very skilled instructors actively sharing the teaching. With a combined knowledge of over 200 years of karate training, our instructors bring a diverse approach to Kyokushin Karate which keeps the classes interesting.

Mike Sandford

(Dojo Operator)

Rank: Yon Dan

Testing History:
1986 Shotokan Sho Dan
2000 Sho Dan
2005 Ni Dan
2012 San Dan
2022 Yon Dan

Started training karate in 1979 in the Shotokan style.
Participated in numerous tournaments between 1982-1987 and was promoted to Shodan By Shihan Masetoshi Nakayama in 1986.
Studied Akido in 1992 before starting Kyokushin in 1993, studying with Sensei Pete Fradley.
Leads a very active karate life attending scores of local and international training events. Including multiple events in Hawaii hoste by Shihan Bobby Lowe.
Since certifying in 2001 he has participated in local and international tournaments as corner judge and center referee.
Attended world championship in Tokyo 1999 and corner judged in 2003 and 2007.
Attends special training seminars and camps on a regular basis
Head of the organizing committee of the Canadian Championships

Scott Somers

Rank: San Dan

Testing History:
2005 Sho Dan
2013 Ni Dan
2023 San Dan

Started training in 1995 at the age of 10
Participated in a number of local tournaments including Canadians – winning numerous medals
Attends special training seminars and camps on a regular basis
Actively participates in tournaments as a corner judge
Member of the organizing committee of the Canadian Championships

Rob Sonnenberg

Rank: Ni Dan

Testing History:
2013 Sho Dan
2022 Ni Dan

Started training in 1996 at the South Delta Dojo
Attended numerous world tournaments
Attended numerous brown / black belt camps as well as special seminars

Jeff Greig

Rank: Sho Dan

Testing History:
2015 Sho Dan

Trained in Judo/Jujitsu from ages 8-18
Trained in Mixed Martial Arts from ages 19-22
Started training in Kyokushin at age 24
Began coaching for tournaments in 2007, received associate judge certification in 2016

As a member of the IKOK-C, South Delta Kyokushin Karate abides by and follows the operating policies, guidelines and procedures set out by the IKOK-C. The policies and code of conduct can be found on the IKOK-C official website. www.kyokushin.ca