Doug Cowan

4th Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association 

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Position at Grand River Karate

Instructor
Kobudo instructor

Board of Directors Advisor

 

Background
I trained in both Kung Fu and Chinese Kempo before coming to Shido-kan, both very different styles, which required quite a bit of unlearning.

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Occupation
Professor of Religious Studies at Renison University College, University of Waterloo

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Why I started
Since I have injured my knees in the past, I thought my martial arts days were over. Then a friend introduced me to Shido-kan and Grand River Karate, and Joie and I have been here ever since. A highlight of the last few years was testing for Shodan with this same friend.

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Why I like Shidokan Karate
Because is it based in natural movement, it’s a style you can practice well into advanced years. Also, because Sensei Iha stresses cooperation and friendship, there is very little competitiveness—something that allows all of us to concentrate on our training.

What I enjoy about teaching
Since Shido-kan stresses that we are all traveling the same path, it’s simply about sharing what one has learned so far. Unlike so many other schools and systems, this is a course in lifelong learning. There is no destination.

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Other Interests
Motorcyles, robots, book and more books and hanging out with my wife, Joie.