Robert Haskett
1st Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Occupation
Programmer
Background
Grand River Karate since 2013
1st Dan Nov., 2017
Why I Started
I had done a few months of other styles of karate when I was in University, but never stuck with it. I had always wanted to get back into it, and finally did when my boys expressed an interest in karate. Grand River Karate was the closest dojo and after attending a few classes with the kids, I was hooked.
Why I like Shidokan
This style is all about natural body movement and as a result, is much easier on the joints than many other styles of karate. The association is based on friendship and co-operation and that is immediately obvious when you step out onto the dojo floor and start training. Everyone is super friendly, patient and willing to help out whenever necessary. It's more of a family than a club.
What I Enjoy About Teaching
There is a saying: "When you teach, you learn twice". It's definitely 100% accurate, working with other students at the club helps me to refine my own motion in order to best demonstrate the movements as accurately as possible. It's also really cool to see the look on someone's face when they finally 'get' a motion.
Other Interests
Mountain biking, badminton, table-tennis, gaming, woodworking