We proudly belong to the network of Shito-Ryu Satokai Canada as a branch club. Established in 1970 by our distinguished Chief Instructor, Soke Akira Sato (9th Dan), our honbu dojo (headquarters) resides in Vancouver, BC. Additionally, our karate-do (way of karate) extends across British Columbia and Quebec through various branch clubs, and internationally, we have affiliated clubs spanning the globe.
Our direct lineage traces back to the founder of Shito-Ryu karate, Kenwa Mabuni Sensei, extending through a prestigious succession of masters: Ryusho Sakagami Sensei, Seiko Suzuki Sensei, Akira Sato Sensei and culminating in our current club Sensei, James McCarthy.
Our club in Victoria had its humble start in 2003, when Sensei James McCarthy transitioned from his dojo on the Sunshine Coast to our present location at 274 Hampton Rd, Victoria, BC.
Shihan – Sensei James (6th Dan) began his karate journey in 1970, inspired by the legendary Bruce Lee. His passion for martial arts led him to train in Wado-Ryu Karate under Sensei Dave Manera at Toronto Metropolitan University, dedicating five years to mastering the art. In pursuit of further knowledge, he hitchhiked across Canada to Vancouver, where he trained in Shotokan Karate at UBC for a year. His quest for excellence took him around the world to Kyoto, where he immersed himself in Goju-Ryu Karate.
In 1978, Sensei James returned to the Sunshine Coast and witnessed a captivating demonstration by Soke Sato Sensei and his skilled black belts. This experience motivated him to join Sato Sensei’s club, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment. In 1985, he became the official Sensei of the Sunshine Coast Club, where he taught and inspired students until 2003. Following his move to Victoria, he got married and continued his teaching legacy as the Sensei of the Victoria Shito-Ryu Satokai Club.
Treasurer – Sensei Nicole MacKinnon (3rd Dan) embarked on her karate journey at the age of 32 with the Pemberton/Whistler club. Her dedication paid off when she earned her Shodan at 38. In 2002, Nicole relocated to Victoria and collaborated with fellow Shito-Ryu karate-ka to establish the Victoria Shito-Ryu Karate Club. Training under Sensei James, she achieved her Sandan (3rd degree). Nicole’s passion for karate extends beyond discipline, health, and focus; it’s also fueled by the countless friendships she’s cultivated throughout our world-wide association.
Chief Instructor – Sensei Ted Gibson (2nd Dan) began his martial arts journey in 1984, immersing himself in Chien Lung Kung Fu under the renowned Constantine Darling. In 1989, Ted joined the Airforce and moved to Edmonton and then Winnipeg in 1994, where he earned Shodan (1st Dan) in the Canada Goju-Ryu Karate Association. Upon relocating to Victoria, Ted met Sensei James McCarthy and has been training under his guidance since 2004. Sensei Ted also holds a green belt in Sato Ha Kobudo under the tutelage of Sensei Roy Tippenhauer.
Assistant Instuctor – Senpai Jeremy Lyster (2nd Dan) started training in Karate in 2004 with the Comox Shito-Ryu Karate club under Senseis Todd Robertson and Brenda Bombini. Many years of training led to him earning the rank of Shodan (1st degree) at age 19 in 2016. In 2021, after finishing university Jeremy relocated to Victoria and started training under Sensei James McCarthy at Victoria Shito-Ryu Karate. In 2025 he earned the rank of Nidan (2nd degree) in Shito-Ryu Sato-Kai Karate.
Assistant Instuctor – Senpai Sakura Ueji (1st Dan) resumed her karate training at the Victoria Shito-Ryu Satokai Club in 2018, building upon her early experience from ages five to six. Although her training was paused due to family circumstances, karate remained an integral part of her life, and she continued to train with her father, a 3rd-degree black belt who trained in Japan at a Shito-Ryu karate association from 1988 to 1992. Her father was a key inspiration in her karate journey and challenged her to defeat him in a sparring match once she attains her 3rd-degree black belt. Since 2018, Sakura has trained under Sensei James McCarthy and has also worked diligently under Soke Akira Sato at the main dojo (Honbu) in Vancouver. In 2024, she earned the rank of Shodan (1st-degree black belt).
Victoria Shito-Ryu Karate 