"Shidokan" - Heritage and Pride

A Brief History of Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club
-- Heritage and Pride --

Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club was founded by Mr. Douglas T. Funamoto (7th Dan Kyoshi) in 1974. It was started as a part of Shidokan International, formerly known as Shidokan Academy, which was founded by Judo instructor Mr. Nakamura in 1968. Since then, Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club has produced many Kendo players in Quebec.

After the retirement of Mr. Funamoto in 1991, students have continued practicing together under the supervision of Funamoto Sensei. We actively participated in tournaments, and we are members of the Canadian Kendo Federation. Shidokan is now under the instruction of Santoso Hanitijo, Robert Miller and Dean Jolly.

Founder of Shidokan, Mr. Douglas T. Funamoto

Mr. Douglas T. Funamoto passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2001. In the Canadian kendo community, though he practiced kendo in Vancouver before world war two, he will be mostly remembered for helping to introduce kendo in Quebec and founding the Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club in Montreal and the Vieille Capitale Dojo in Quebec city. His dedication to teaching kendo was tremendous, and his humble nature will be remembered fondly. On a personal note, Funamoto-sensei was my first kendo sensei. He was a very patient teacher, and he instilled in me the importance of kendo basics and gentlemanly play. These are things which I will always carry with me. Thank you, sensei.

-Lawrence Tsuji