The martial arts taught in the SWM BUDOKAN include influences from North America, China, the West Indies and Japan and Okinawa.  Our family has been taught Boxing, Kung Fu, Karate, Jujitsu and Kenjutsu from a number of different masters, and we are honored to be able to share these traditions with members of our dojo and community.  All of these martial arts fall under the classification of the Japanese term of “Bushido”.   I respect (and promote) the variations in the techniques and teachings but can also understand how confusing it must be for new students in our club.

For most students, when you ask them what they are training in, they will respond with something like, ‘Karate’ or ‘Jujitsu’ or perhaps ‘Boxing’ or ‘Kung-Fu’.  These are all wonderful styles of martial arts that are part of a larger concept of Bushido (Japanese) or Tao (Chinese). 

Bushido – is the Japanese term that describes The Way of the Warrior.

What Does Bushido Mean? 

In Japanese terms the word is made up of three other words:

  • “Bu” = “Stopping the Spear”
  • “Shi” = “In addition of”
  • “Do” = “A way of life”

The cultural meaning of Bushido is the “Way of the Warrior”.  In this way, students of Bushido practice all aspects of defending against attacks regardless of style.  The best defense is simply the most effective.

Our honored teachers and predecessors include:

  • Doug Horton Sr. 7th Degree Black Belt:
    • Grand Master David Chong, Canadian Karate Kung Fu Association
    • Grand Master Tony Chong (Post Homus), Canadian Karate Kung Fu Association
    • Ric Cameron – Hanshi, 8th Dan Budo, All Japan Budo Federation
    • Monty Guest – 9th Dan, Chito-Ryu Karate, Kai Shin Martial Arts Association
  • Doug Horton Jr., Shodan Karate and Jujitsu
    • Doug Horton Sr., 7th Dan
    • Mel Trentholm, Boxing, Belleville Boxing Club
    • Ric Cameron – Hanshi, 8th Dan Budo, All Japan Budo Federation
    • Monty Guest – 9th Dan, Chito-Ryu Karate, Kai Shin Martial Arts Association
  • Randy Horton, 7th Degree Black Belt
    • Doug Horton Sr., 7th Dan
    • Ric Cameron – Hanshi, 8th Dan Budo, All Japan Budo Federation
    • Robert Kranstz, Kyoshi 9th Dan Jujitsu, Milton Jujitsu
    • Monty Guest – 9th Dan, Chito-Ryu Karate, Kai Shin Martial Arts Association
    • Mel Tentholm, Boxing Instructor, Bellevill Boxing Club