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Rob Richardson - Rokudan (6th Dan), Shihan - Renshi

Rob Richardson Shihan began karate practice in 1985, and in 1996 became a member of IKGA Canada.

In 1997 Rob Shihan was fortunate to be able to travel to Tokyo Japan as a student at the Hombu Dojo under the direction of Goshi Yamaguchi Shihan, the President and Saiko Shihan (Grand Master) for IKGA and JKGA. In June 1998 Rob Shihan earned his Nidan (2nd degree) while training in Japan. That same year, Rob Shihan 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 Shihan returned to Canada to continue teaching at Calgary Gojukai.

Rob Shihan is currently 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. In 2005 Rob Shihan competed for Canada at the IKGA World Championships in Holland, placing in the top 5 in Kumite.

Rob Shihan 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 September of 2017 Rob Shihan was head coach for the Canadian team at the IKGA Global Shampionships held in Richmond, BC. The team had over 100 competitors, and had a strong presence on the medal podium.

In 2010 Saiko Shihan Yamaguchi appointed Rob Sensei as Shihan - Renshi. Rob Shihan is currently 6th Dan (Rokudan) and continues to practice and teach for Calgary Gojukai and IKGA Canada.