Yukiko Richardson (Hirayama) - Sandan Shidoin
Yukiko Richardson (Hirayama) began training in Shotokan when she was in Junior High School and High School in Tokyo, Japan. She obtained a black belt, but stopped training after graduation. Her interest in Karate-do remained however. In 1997 she decided to resume training, and was accepted as a student at the Gojukai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan, training directly under Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi. She found Gojukai training to be different and challenging, but very interesting. She attended training as many as five times/week and found herself progressing quickly in her understanding of Goju-Ryu. She participated in numerous competitions in Japan, consistently placing among the top competitors and culminating in a third place finish in Kata at the 50th Anniversary All Japan Gojukai Competition in 2000.
After her marriage to Rob Sensei in November 2000, Yukiko Richardson moved to Canada and continued to train and assist at Ranchlands Dojo. She was an active competitor for Karate Alberta and has attended four National Championships, placing in the top six in Kata.
In 2002 Yukiko successfully tested for Nidan with IKGA Canada. She enjoys coaching and encouraging the younger members of the dojo, helping them to reach their fullest potiential.
In February 2004 Yukiko Sensei successfully passed her examination for Sandan (3rd degree black belt). Yukiko Sensei represented IKGA Canada as a team member and earned 4th place in Over Sandan Kata at the World Gojukai Championship in Holland, in 2005.
