Fortunato Restagno
7th Dan, Shidokan Beikoku Karatedo Association
Position
Chief instructor of Grand River Karate
Board of Director Member
Shidokan Beikoku Association Director
Direct student of Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan
1st Aid Certified
Background
Training in martial art since 1979
Shidokan training since 2002
4th Degree black belt from the Kai-Shin Association, Sensei Monty Guest until 2002
3rd Degree black belt from KW Karate, Sensei Jake Klaus until 1994
Sensei Roy Paul, Shidokan Canada until 2018
Promoted to Shibu dojo January 2018
Active in competition until 1992. Received approximately 150 awards
Occupation
Brand Strategist
Corporate Identity Development
Speaker on Brand Creation
Why I Started Karate
As a teen, I was fascinated by the martial arts. I admit most martial arts films are silly but I still watch them all. A black belt instructor taught a few classes at our high school. I then met Jake Klaus, who was a friend of my brothers who ran a Chito Ryu dojo. He invited me to try a class and I was immediately hooked. I trained with Sensei Jake for 14 years and today we are still good friends.
Why I Enjoy Shidokan Karate
I have had the opportunity to be exposed to other martial arts. I was at a stage in my training where I wanted more depth and to connect with a true traditional master. I travelled and trained with some exceptional individuals. However, one stood out. Hanshi (10th Dan) Seikichi Iha, head of the Beikoku Association. His efficiency and understanding of motion were extraordinary. Many of his students are also quite noteworthy. Most of all his mission encompassed something deeper that communicates the importance of friendship, cooperation and learning. This was the glue that supports our continued growth as individuals. The style's roots are are also very historical and traditional. The applications are very efficient, fluid and scientific. As I get older I want to continue my training. I find Shidokan is body friendly. Practitioners in their 80's and 90's are still training in this style. Also, Iha Sensei continues to find new ways to challenge our minds and bodies. His association is very supportive, friendly and is consistent with how it teaches the content. Sensei Roy Paul is the head of the Shidokan Canada and actively follows Iha Sensei teaching style. Sensei Roy has also been a great friend, teacher and supportive of all the members at our dojo.
What I Enjoy About Teaching
I enjoy being able to contribute and helping others develop. Teaching also gives me further technical insight. As Sensei Roy always says, when you teach you to learn twice. My continuous personal teaching challenge is to get the point across as effectively as possible. I enjoy the moments in class when a student suddenly "gets it." The learning curve is not always linear in karate. The recipe to excel is continuous practice and treat plateaus as a learning curve. Without warning, a technique will start to feel right and make sense. Whether it's a technique or personal development continuous training pays off. To see a student progress as a person makes our community a better place.
Other Interests
I love photography and hiking internationally. I often have about 25 lbs of camera equipment with me on my adventures with my wife Lindsay. I also enjoy building furniture, art, cartooning, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and hanging with my family.