SHUSEKI SHIHAN, HENRY CHAN

Blackbelt Nanadan (7th Dan) Kyoshi

Shuseki Shihan Henry Chan, the visionary founder, and Chief Instructor of WSK Sekishinkan Goju-Ryu Karate-do, has left an indelible mark on Karate landscape. Established in 2006, Sekishinkan stands as the inaugural dojo of World Shoseikan Karatedo in Canada, also recognized as Canada Shoseikan Karatedo.

Born in the vibrant city of Hong Kong during the 1970s, Shihan Chan embarked on his martial arts journey at the age of 10 under the tutelage of his uncle, learning the intricate art of Hung Kuen (Kung Fu). His pursuit of martial excellence took a pivotal turn when, a few years later, he delved into the world of Karate with Seibukan, alongside his high school companions in Hong Kong.

Upon completing high school, Shihan Chan transplanted his passion for Karate to Canada, where he honed his skills under the guidance of three esteemed Sensei: Shihan Takeshi Uchiage, Shihan Alan Chan and Kancho Katsutoshi Ishihara.

In 2004, a significant chapter unfolded as Shihan Chan formally joined Shoseikan, emerging as the direct protégé of Kancho Katsutoshi Ishihara. The inaugural dojo materialized at Marpole Scout Hall in Vancouver, BC, in 2006. This marked a pivotal moment as Shihan Chan attained the prestigious Sandan (3rd Dan) with the Shidoin title, simultaneously Shihan Chan was officially appointed as the Chief Instructor of the Canada Shoseikan Karatedo.

In 2007, Shihan Chan assumed the role of overseas executive for World Shoseikan Karate-do, exhibiting leadership by guiding a contingent from Vancouver to Toronto for a memorable Karate Seminar. Concurrently, the WSK Sekishinkan Richmond Dojo was established at RCCS in Richmond, BC.

The year 2008 saw Shihan Chan's students making waves in a Karate Tournament in Chiba, Japan, with two participants clinching 3rd place. This year also witnessed Shihan Chan leading WSK members to Zhu Hai for intensive Goju-Ryu Karate training with China IOGKF's Lam King Fung Sensei. Additionally, the 19th World Karate Championships unfolded at Budokan in Tokyo.

Shihan Chan's unwavering commitment and proficiency reached new heights in 2013 when he achieved the esteemed Blackbelt Godan (5th Dan) with the honorific title of "Shihan." The subsequent years brought further milestones, with the establishment of WSK Sekishinkan Olympic Oval Dojo in Richmond, BC, in 2014.

​In 2020, Shihan Chan's dedication and expertise were recognized once more as he attained the Blackbelt Rokudan (6th Dan) with the distinguished title of "Renshi." Undeterred by challenges, Shihan Chan continued to spread the essence of Goju-Ryu Karate and World Shoseikan Karate globally.

The zenith of Shihan Chan's martial arts journey occurred in 2023 when he reached the remarkable Nanadan (7th Dan) with the esteemed title of "Kyoshi." Notably, he became the youngest Nanadan in the history of World Shoseikan Karate-do. Shihan Chan's global travels have not only promoted Goju-Ryu Karate but have also fostered alliances, as seen with the integration of Sri Lanka and Hong Kong Shibu into the WSK family between 2020 and 2021.