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Kick up your heels at Brentwood’s Kimura Shukokai

Brentwood Bay karate dojo hosting fundraiser this month
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Instructor Rob Walker takes students through exercises during a class at Kimura Shukokai Karate in Brentwood Bay.

Members at Kimura Sukokai Karate in Brentwood Bay are hoping to expand their knowledge and love of the sport through international experts, but they need a little help getting there.

“In our style of karate we have experts who have been teaching for over 40 years all over the world,” explained Peter Johnson, a member of the dojo in Brentwood Bay.

“One of the most exciting things for us is to be able to bring in one of these experts every couple of years to teach and inspire us.”

The Kimura Shukokai dojo in Brentwood Bay was started by Sensei Dave Bentley in 2000 and he has since expanded into having dojos in North Saanich, Sooke and on the Westshore.

Bentley, a world-class fifth-level blackbelt, has spent over 30 years practising the Shukokai style and has travelled all over the world with the sport.

“That’s one of the things I really love about this style of karate is that there is such a huge worldwide connection,” said Johnson.

“There’s so many opportunities to travel and meet people from other countries as well as bring in people to our local dojos who have worldwide experience.”

Johnson started training in Shukokai Karate 10 years ago with his son.

“It’s really family oriented here, it’s common to see a whole family who all train here together. That’s another great part about this style of karate is that it’s accessible for all skill levels,” Johnson explained, adding that their members range in age from as young as three to over 60.

In order to keep learning and expanding their knowledge of the practice of Shukokai karate, the Brentwood Bay dojo is hosting a fundraiser this month with The Sutcliffes, a Beatles tribute band.

“Hosting the fundraiser will allow us to be able to bring in an expert who we can all learn from,” Johnson explained.

The fundraiser is taking place at Brentwood Hall (7082 Wallace Dr.) on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. The music is slotted to start at 8 p.m. along with a silent auction and refreshments. Tickets for the event ($20) are available in advance at Stonestreet Cafe in Sidney and Keating and at CIBC in Saanichton at the door.

For more information visit www.shukokai-canada.com.

reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com