Sensei Mac Newton
Sensei Mac Newton holds a 5th Dan (Godan) rank in Goju-Ryu Karate and a 5th Dan rank in Ryu Kyu Kobudo. He has been an educator for over 30 years. He holds a BA in English, an MA in English and a Masters of Education.
Sensei Mac brings his knowledge of teaching and learning into practice in the dojo. He has been teaching karate and kobudo (traditional weapons) to adults and children on Vancouver Island since 1997. His philosophy is that a dojo (training place) is a community and that the learning of martial arts must be both fun and challenging enough that students grow and develop in mind, body and spirit. “Making it fun is the key, especially for the children,” says Sensei Mac, ” but enjoyment of the practice is necessary for adults, too, of course, and part of that enjoyment includes comradarie with fellow students, a sense of humour in the dojo and training that is challenging enough to make it interesting. Train hard, have fun.”
TŌSHIKAN TRADITIONAL KARATE AND KOBUDŌ
Sensei Mac’s style of karate is Goju-Ryu, a traditional karate style that originates in Okinawa, Japan. His sensei is Tetsuji Nakamura Sensei, who now lives in Toronto, and his master sensei is Morio Higaonna Sensei, who lives in Okinawa, but travels the world leading seminars.
In the practice of Okinawa traditional weapons (kobudo), Sensei Mac’s teacher is Tamayose Hidemi Sensei, who lives in Okinawa. Much of Mac’s life is engaged with teaching. In his full-time work he has taught for more than 25 years in both the K-12 school system and in adult education. Since 1995, he has taught with North Island College. He currently works at the Courtenay campus.
The practice of karate gives one skills in self-defense, builds confidence, empathy for others, increases flexibility, coordination, strength, agility and balance. Karate is as much about exercise for the mind as it is for the body. One learns some Japanese language and culture, pattern recognition, memory improvement. “Karate is for all ages,” says Sensei Mac. “I have taught students from age 6 to 75. And, it can be a lifetime of learning. I still travel several times a year to train with and learn from my sensei. What I learn from them, I bring back to my students. There are also opportunities for my students to take part in extra seminars and tournaments.”
Toshikan Belongs to International Karate and Kobudō Organizations
Toshikan Dojo belongs to the International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Federation (IOGKF), the world’s largest truly international traditional karate organization with thousands of members on every continent. The membership means that achievements accomplished by students in the dojo are recognized by the international organization.
