Shawn Moynihan
4th Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Background
Training in Shotokan
Trained at Grand River Karate 1991 to 2001
Move and trained at Shidokan Canada in Guelph, Ontario in Shidokan in 2002
Returned to Grand River Karate 2020.
Assistant Instructor
Occupation
Retired educator, currently executive director of a non-profit organization.
Why I Started
By chance I attended a seminar taught by Iha sensei. At that time, I had been training for ten years and had worked with several impressive instructors, including some from Japan. However, right away it was clear that Iha sensei was in a league of his own. He is like the “real life” version of Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies. Every interaction with Iha sensei shows that he is a master teacher in every respect.
Why I like Shidokan
Shidokan is based on understanding and using the power of natural body movements. Therefore, your physical practice continues to improve, even as you get older, because you get better at harnessing the power of natural body movements. The people you train with are great to work with because Shidokan attracts participants who are motivated to live out the principles of friendship and cooperation. Shidokan also works in “real life” because it is always grounded in practical self-defence.
Other Interests
I am active in my church. I enjoy hiking and lifting weights. Most of all I enjoy time with my wife Cathie, our four children, and our two grandchildren.