Roy M. Paul
8th Dan, Kyoshi, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Background
Sensei Roy began his karate training in 1973, training in Chito-ryu in Belleville, ON, under Sensei Kenzo Dozono. After moving to Guelph, he continued training in Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu. In 1993, Sensei Roy began training in Shorin-ryu Shidokan with Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan, Hanshi. In 1999, he was made Canadian Director for Shidokan by Katsuya Miyahira, 10th Dan Hanshi, and Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan, Hanshi. Sensei Roy was promoted to 8th Dan, Kyoshi, on July 29. 2022. After 25 years, he closed the Shidokan Canada Karate dojo in Guelph, ON, and is pleased to continue training and teaching with Grand River Karate
Occupation
Sensei Roy is retired, after a 25-year career as a drug development scientist for Johnson & Johnson. After retirement, Sensei Roy returned to school, and completed a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Theology.
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Why I Started
As a young boy I was never skilled in sports, being small in stature. After watching Enter the Dragon at the theatre in July, 1973, the following week I signed up for karate. It was perfect for me because I was not competing with anyone, and poor performance did not let down a team; only myself.
Why I Like Shidokan
There are a number of things I like about this style. First, it is traditional, self-defence karate; not sport karate. Second, it is based on natural body movement, so there is no need to be athletic to do it well. Finally, the philosophy of “Friendship, Co-operation, and Learning,” resonate with me. After 30 years of training in Shidokan I have made friends all over the world, who share the love of training in this style.
What I Enjoy About Teaching
Miyahira Sensei said, “To teach is to learn twice.” When you teach, you are constantly reminded of your own techniques and how you are also just a student. As they are, you once were. The greatest joy in teaching is seeing the students progress and develop.
Other Interests
Teaching Bible-based courses, playing Celtic fiddle and participating in the Mohican Indian language revitalization project.