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Chito Ryu Yuseikan (formerly Burnaby Chito Ryu) started in Burnaby, BC in 1980 under Gary Mah and Robert Lee. In 1982, under the direction of Robert Lee the dojo permanently moved from North Burnaby to Eastburn Community Centre, now renovated and renamed Edmonds Community Centre. Robert Lee has been the head instructor since that time. He is a 7th degree black belt with the title Kyoshi. Currently, this is the highest rank/title outside of Japan, the only other foreigner that is “senior” to Lee Sensei is his lifelong friend and mentor, Chris Taneda Sensei. Both are from BC, Canada. Besides Taneda Sensei, Robert Lee’s karate and life have been positively influenced by many notable instructors including: O-Sensei, Warren Mauer, Brian DeMasters, Gary Mah, David Akutagawa, Shane Higashi, Tsutomu Tashiro, Hiroshi Tanaka, Ryuichi Nakamura, Morimitsu Tamaki and his greatest influence Nidaime Soke.
The Chito Ryu style now has many splinter groups claiming O-Sensei as their founder. Chito Ryu Yuseikan is very fortunate to have direct lineage to O-Sensei as the dojo continues to follow his teachings through the Chitose family. Chito Ryu Yuseikan’s instructor, Robert Lee Sensei, is a direct student of Soke (Yasuhiro Chitose) who is O-Sensei’s son and the second generation Chito Ryu Soke. Soke makes annual visits to Chito Ryu Yuseikan and Lee Sensei trains in Japan regularly (usually 2-3 times a year).
Chito Ryu is a traditional Japanese martial art which offers not only self-defence but also excellent physical conditioning and preparation for life's daily challenges. The students develop self-confidence, focus and learn to respect others and their community. The development of good character, self-esteem, and manners are emphasized.
The karate classes are fun and interactive; no special athletic ability or skill is required. Chito Ryu can be practiced by all ages, regardless of gender. Chito Ryu Yuseikan has a unique family atmosphere based on a mentoring system where older students work with younger ones to provide a supportive network. Students are encouraged to progress at their own rate and potential. The dojo offers classes to children 4 years and up, men and women, and to seniors. The dojo has a mix of beginners and long-time black belts; many have been students at the dojo for 20-30 years or more.
Chito Ryu Yuseikan has been a long standing member of Karate BC and Karate Canada, the recognized sport governing bodies in BC and Canada. These associations provide funding; sanction regional, provincial and national tournaments and clinics; sponsor coaching (including NCCP) and officials programs; provide accident and dental insurance, etc.
In the summer of 2024, the Canmore, Alberta Chito Ryu dojo, Yoshinjyuku, became a branch dojo of Chito Ryu Yuseikan. The Canmore dojo is one of the few Chito Ryu dojo with a female head instructor. Yuka Shimizu Sensei started her training in 1995 under the instruction of Ron Casey Sensei at the Canmore Karate Club. Currently, Shimizu Sensei is a Yon Dan (fourth degree black belt) with a Shidoin (instructor) certificate. She has trained under many different Chito Ryu instructors including Grad Shihan in Edmonton, Sabean Sensei in Calgary and Nakayama Sensei in Tokyo, Japan.
Shimizu Sensei is a mother of three and is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the community. She is passionate about family, health, and understands the importance of balance in all aspects of our lives including mind, body, and spirit which is embodied in the study of Chito Ryu Karate-do.
Shimizu Sensei is also fluent in the Japanese language. With her medical background and understanding of the Martial arts, she is one of the top translators at international karate clinics and meetings. Her background also makes her one of Chito Ryu’s top students and teachers.