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"By reaching Black Belt level, one had, in fact, completed only the necessary requirements to embark upon a relentless journey without distance that would ultimately result in self-mastery." — Jigoru Kano, Judo founder
Chief Instructor/Coach Ken Benson
Ken Benson began karate study in 1973 under Sensei Kenzo Dozono. The majority of his study has been Shotokan-style karate with Kancho (Director) Takemasa Okuyama, but he has also received instruction from Mixed Martial Arts Coach Shah Franco, and trained in Tae Kwon-Do and Kali. Certified as a karate and boxing coach through Sport Canada's National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), he is the fourth karate teacher in Canada to have attained NCCP Level 4, or Olympic/International level.
His martial art résumé includes:
- 7th Dan Black Belt, International Karate Association of Canada
- ChPC (Chartered Professional Coach) member Coaches of Canada
- NCCP Level 4 Coach
also:
- 3rd Dan Black Belt, Kobudo (weapons), Hachi-O-Kai Canada
- 2nd Dan Black Belt, International Tae Kwon-Do Federation
- instructor at Japan Martial Arts Centre, Toronto, 9 years
- instructor at Shah Franco Martial Arts, Toronto, 3 years
- presenter — Sport Karate Symposium, Karate Ontario 2008
- featured instructor at Mixed Martial Arts Expo 2006
- organizer for World Kubota Cup tournament, Toronto, 2003
- produced book "Ultimate Karate" by Takemasa Okuyama, 1997
- member of Coaches Association of Ontario
- current certification in Standard First Aid & CPR, Red Cross
Seminars, Workshops, Symposiums
Mr. Benson has attended over 1200 hours of seminars and workshops (he keeps track) on subjects ranging from traditional and sport karate, other Asian and western martial arts, and sport science, especially Long Term Athletic Development. A believer in lifelong learning, he continues to pursue knowledge that will enrich the karate program.
He has delivered karate and self-defence programs in both the public and private school sectors, and to community groups. He has also developed curriculum and taught self-defence at secondary school level.
A Toronto Beaches area resident for over 20 years, he volunteers with community groups, and does fundraisers supporting various charitable organizations. By day, he is a commercial photographer and desktop publisher.
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