Hanshi – Model of the Way
Chito-Ryu history was made as our style’s supreme instructor (Saiko Shihan) Higashi Sensei was honoured with a promotion to 10th Dan, Hanshi (retroactive as of Jan. 1, 2013). Higashi Sensei’s new belt was very impressive and he wore it well. At Higashi Sensei’s request, the promotion to 10th Dan, Hanshi was also awarded to Higashi Sensei’s Senpai (senior in training), Kugizaki Sensei. The 10th Dan, Hanshi belt was accepted by Nagata Sensei from Kumamoto, Japan.(pictured below)
Higashi Sensei’s promotion was awarded by his 5 Kyoshi instructors. The new belt and certificate were presented by the National Technical Committee Chair, Kyoshi Ferri and the National Committee President, Kyoshi Dr. Smith.
Higashi Sensei was clearly moved by the moment and there was hardly a dry eye in the room as he accepted this honor and gave special thanks to his wife Clair for her support.
Higashi Sensei continues to travel across Canada, Norway and Japan to deliver and preserve the teachings of his instructor and founder of Chito Ryu ,O’Sensei Gochoku (Tsuyoshi) Chitose (Chinen). The membership of the World Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation and the Canadian Chito Ryu Karate-do Association continues to grow and expand under Sensei’s guidance and leadership
Photo credit: Sensei David Chong