DRUK SHITO KAI

Druk Shito Kai Conducts the Junior Upgrading Program with Participation from the USA and Canada

December 22, 2024

Druk Shito Kai successfully hosted a Junior Upgrading Program on Sunday, December 22, 2024, aligning with the World Shito-Ryu Karate Federation’s ongoing standardization efforts. As a proud affiliate of the JKF Karate-Do Shito Kai USA, the USA Karate Federation, and Karate Ontario (Karate Canada), this grading event underscored the excellence, discipline, and uniformity inherent in Shito-Ryu Karate across member dojos in the United States and Canada.

Sensei Dumpa Monger, who oversaw operational proceedings, formally opened the program. The program featured participants from various dojos, including the Ohio Karate Club, Fargo Karate Club, Georgia Karate Club, and Druk Shito Kai Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was conducted in a hybrid format, both in person and via Zoom. The event showcased the shared commitment to maintaining the high standards and lineage of Shito-Ryu Karate.

Participation Overview

The event brought together 44 students whose progress and dedication to Shito-Ryu Karate were evaluated through rigorous grading. The breakdown of participants by dojo was as follows:

Fargo Karate Club

20 Students from the Fargo Karate Club have participated

  • 5 White Belts,
  • 2 Yellow Belts,
  • 3 Junior Yellow Belts,
  • 3 Junior Green Belts,
  • 1 Blue Belt,
  • 6 Purple Belts, and
  • 1 Brown Belt (2nd Kyu).
Ohio Karate Club

14 Students from the Ohio Karate Club participated

  • 1 White Belt,
  • 1 Yellow Belt,
  • 3 Orange Belts,
  • 1 Green Belt,
  • 3 Blue Belts,
  • 1 Purple Belt,
  • 2 Brown Belts (3rd Kyu),
  • 2 Brown Belts (2nd Kyu).
Druk Shitokai-Guelph Dojo

7 Student from the Druk Shitokai-Guelph Dojo

  • 1 White Belt,
  • 1 Junior Green Belt,
  • 1 Blue Belt,
  • 2 Purple Belts,
  • 1 Brown Belt (3rd Kyu),
  • 1 Brown Belt (2nd Kyu)
Georgia Dojo

2 Students from the Georgia Dojo participated

  • 2 Yellow Belts.

Examiners and Observers

The program was conducted under the supervision of a distinguished panel of examiners:

  • Chief Examiners: Sensei Moni Rai and Danny Tamang and
  • Assistant Examiners: Sensei Mon Khadka and Sensei Tula Dhakal.

The event was further enriched by the presence of guest senseis, including Sensei Bishal Gurung, Sensei Kamal Magar, Sensei Joe Untario, and Sensei Raj Magar, who observed the exceptional skills and dedication exhibited by the students.

Event Highlights and Closing Remarks

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sensei Raj Magar, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the high standards and rich traditions of Shito-Ryu Karate. Druk Shito Kai expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, instructors, and organizers for their unwavering dedication and contributions to the program’s success.

Druk Shito Kai continues to foster excellence, discipline, and unity within the global Shito-Ryu Karate community. The organization reinforces its commitment to nurturing skilled and disciplined karate practitioners through events like the Junior Upgrading Program.