Rob Richardson - Godan Jokyo
Rob Richardson Sensei has been involved with Goju Ryu Karate since 1985. He was introduced to training while in junior high by a friend at one of the local fitness centres in Calgary and was hooked. This dojo went through several incarnations, moving locations several times, and eventually was introduced to IKGA Canada Gojukai in 1988 at a seminar that was hosting Goshi Yamaguchi Shihan. Rob Sensei encountered Yamaguchi Shihan again in 1994, again at an IKGA Canada seminar and was inspired to continue to learn as much about Goju Ryu as possible.
In 1996 Ranchlands Karate Club applied for membership to IKGA Canada. In 1997 Rob Sensei was fortunate to be able to travel to Tokyo Japan as a student at the Hombu Dojo with Goshi Yamaguchi Shihan, who was now the President and Saiko Shihan (Grand Master) for IKGA and JKGA. In June 1998 Rob Sensei earned his Nidan (2nd degree) while training in Japan.
As a new Nidan, Rob Sensei was invited to travel to Okinawa to pay respects to Goju Ryu's founder Chojun Miyagi with the Japan Gojukai's top Masters, an honour and privilege made possible by the graciousness of Goshi Yamaguchi Shihan.
In October 1998 Rob Sensei returned to Canada to continue to teach at Ranchlands Dojo. In September 1999 IKGA Canada once again hosted Yamaguchi Shihan for it's National seminar, where Rob Sensei successfully tested for Sandan (3rd degree).
In July 2003 at the IKGA Canada Annual Seminar Rob Sensei successfully passed the examination for Yondan - Jokyo.
Rob Sensei is currently on the Board of Directors for IKGA Canada as Chairman of the newly formed Competition Committee, and is a member of the IKGA Canada Technical Committee. He has participated in many competitions both in Japan and in Canada. He has competed at the Provincial level, winning three Provincial Championships. He has also competed for team Alberta at four National Karate Association Championships in both Kata and Kumite.
Rob Sensei continues to train and teach, coaching members from Calgary Gojukai to successful placement at all levels from regional, to provincial and up to the national level.
In August 2008 Rob Sensei successfully passed the examination for Godan (5th Dan) with Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi in Burnaby, BC.
