SHUSEKI SHIHAN, KATSUMI FUTO

Blackbelt Nanadan (7th Dan) Kyoshi

Shuseki Shihan Katsumi Futo is the founder and Chief Instructor of WSK Sekishinkan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. Established in 2006, Sekishinkan became the first dojo of World Shoseikan Karate-do in Canada, also known as Canada Shoseikan Karate-do.
 
Futo Shihan, originally named Henry Chan, adopted the name Katsumi Futo in his Karate career after 35 years of practice to honor his Japanese Sensei, Katsutoshi Ishihara. The name "Katsumi" (克己) in Kanji means "to conquer oneself" or "to be tough on oneself," reflecting his unwavering dedication to self-discipline and personal growth in Karate.
 
Born in Hong Kong in the 1970s, Futo Shihan began his martial arts journey at the age of 9, learning Hung Kuen (a traditional style of Kung Fu) from his uncle. In 1987, he started training in karate with Seibukan alongside his high school friends in Hong Kong. In 1991, Futo Shihan moved to Coquitlam, BC, Canada, to pursue his studies. He trained with Uchiage Kai under Shihan Takeshi Uchiage for about two years in Richmond. After relocating to Vancouver, he joined Vancouver Seiwakai and trained under Shihan Alan Chan, earning his Seiwakai Shodan (1st Dan) under the esteemed Shihan Shuji Tasaki.
 
In 2004, Futo Shihan passed the Shoseikan promotion test and earned his Shodan Black Belt from Soke Katsutoshi Ishihara after an intensive three-week training at World Shoseikan Karate-do in Chiba, Japan. The following year, he officially became a direct student of Soke Ishihara Kancho and established the first Shoseikan dojo in Vancouver, BC, under the name "Sekishinkan." Later that same year, he achieved his Sandan (3rd Dan) and was appointed Chief Instructor of the World Shoseikan Karate-do Canada Division and WSK Overseas Executive.
 
In 2008, Futo Shihan attained the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) and established the Sekishinkan Honbu Dojo in Richmond, BC. In 2013, he earned the rank of Godan (5th Dan) and was formally recognized with the title of “Shihan.” By 2020, he advanced to Rokudan (6th Dan) and received the honorific title of “Renshi.” In 2023, he was promoted to Nanadan (7th Dan) and conferred the prestigious title of “Kyoshi.” Notably, he became the youngest Nanadan in the history of World Shoseikan Karate-do.
 
Over the past 20 years, Futo Shihan has made tremendous efforts and contributions to building a strong karate community. The WSK Sekishinkan family has connected numerous families, members, and friends globally, fostering a supportive and dedicated martial arts network.