Shihan David Bennett - Jyoshinmon Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do New Zealand

Shihan

[Pictured here with Jyoshinmon Founder Hoshu Ikeda in Tokyo - October 2012.]

Over the years I have trained and watched many Karate-Ka, both Japanese and non-Japanese, but I can honestly say I have never met any person with the knowledge, expertise and presence of Soke Hoshu Ikeda. Probably one of the least known in the west, but one of the most well known and respected in Japan.

We attended the 50th Anniversary of Jyoshinmon Japan in Kagoshima where I was awarded the Rokudan Ho certificate by Soke. (See photo below)
Unlike other karate styles, there are only 6 Dan levels in Jyoshinmon Shorin-Ryu.

In 1989-90 we were fortunate to have Soo Shihan Ai Ikeda come to New Zealand to learn English. She stayed for about 6 months and her knowledge and expertise were invaluable. Her father Soo Shihan Ikeda appointed her as the Grandmaster of Jyoshinmon in October 2012.

[Photo above: Shihan with Soke at the New Lynn Dojo in Auckland for the 50th Anniversary of Jyoshinmon New Zealand in 2022.]

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Gradings

[Photo above] Shihan presiding at the May 2023 Grading panel at the previous dojo, which has relocated to:
Synergy Sports Centre
44 Portage Road
New Lynn

There are two gradings held annually with one black belt grading at the end of the year.

Although Shihan is qualified to grade up to Sandan, he prefers that gradings from Sandan and above to be taken at Jyoshinmon International in Japan.

[Pictured above is Shihan handing out grading certificates at the May 2014 Grading held at the previous dojo in New Lynn]

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Coaching

[Pictured above - Shihan (left), Sensei Chris (centre), Sensei Beaty (right), at the January 2013 National Training Camp held in Auckland.]

Shihan has assisted with the coaching at regional, national and international tournaments, including at the National Squad Training sessions of which there are 3 scheduled each year - in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington which are organised by Karate New Zealand.

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KNZ Representation

After competing in tournaments for several years David turned to teaching and refereeing. He became New Zealand Referee Examiner for Kata and Kumite and achieved Oceania A Grade Referee for Kata and Kumite.

He has since retired from the National Karate Coaching Council and the Board for Karate New Zealand in July 2012.

[Photo above - second from left]
Shihan received the Life Membership Award from Karate New Zealand in 2016 for services to karate in New Zealand.

September 2024 - Shihan and Sensei Beaty Bennett at the 50th Anniversary of Karate New Zealand and spoke of their experiences during their service with the organisation for over 30 years.

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JYOSHINMON SHORIN-RYU

Karate-Do New Zealand

Instructor - Shihan David Bennett

Rokudan Ho Grade

Shihan

Gradings

Coaching

KNZ Representation