Steve Jessup

3rd Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association 

Background

2nd Dan in Shotokan from Northern Karate under Sensei Cezar Borkowski until 1994.
Grand River Karate since 2010.
1st Dan Nov. 2016
2nd Dan May 2019
3rd Dan July 2024

Why I Started Karate

My interest in the martial arts began in my early teens and over the years I’ve tried Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Tai Chi and Karate.  Originally drawn to the sport of Karate, after several years I eventually lost interest.  I felt this wasn’t true Karate, the “Do” or way, was missing.  When I eventually found Grand River Karate, I knew I had found what I was looking for.​

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Why I like Shidokan Karate

I love the importance placed on friendship, cooperation and learning.   Shidokan is traditional Okinawan Karate and means “the way of the path of the warrior”, which to me implies more than fighting and winning.  It’s a philosophy for living.

What I Enjoy About Teaching
I haven’t been involved too much in the way of teaching, aside from occasionally leading the warm-up or assisting.  I definitely see the benefits in teaching for both teacher and student.  “When you teach, you learn twice”.

Other Interests

​Camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature, woodcarving, fly fishing, philosophy...