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Kancho Mike Foster
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Kancho Foster began his martial arts training in Japan in 1956 and was awarded a Ni-Dan in Goju Ryu karate under Sensei Watanabe. He was then introduced to Sensei Mamoru Yamamoto by Sensei Watanabe. Sensei Yamamoto held an 8th dan, Kyoshi license from Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose, the founder of Chito Ryu Karate do. Sensei Foster quickly became a disciple of Sensei Yamamoto, an All-Japan Kumite (fighting) Champion and rose to the rank of 6th Dan, Renshi in the Chito Ryu system.
During a rotation stint with the air force, Kancho was stationed at the Korean Osan Air Base and achieve a Nidan (2nd Dan) in Korean Judo (Yudo). He also had the opportunity to train with various masters in Japan, Okinawa, and Korea during his rotations.
After living and studying in Japan for over 10 years, Sensei Foster returned to the USA and quickly became on of the premiere competitors in the country. He also was a founding member of Canada's National Karate Association uner the direction of Masami Tsuroka.
As a competitor, Kancho Foster won numerous championships including the Southern Japan Karate Championship, the All-Service Karate Championship in Japan, the prestigious USKA Grand Nationals three times and was the Florida State Champion from 1967 to 1973.
In 1977, Sensei Foster was promoted to the rank of 7th Dan, Kyoshi in the Yoshukai System under Kaicho Mamoru Yamamoto. In 1980, Kyoshi Foster created his own organization: Yoshukai International, separate and distinct from Kaicho Yamamoto's organization. In 1977, Sensei Foster abdicated the 7th Dan rank to make room for his senior students and assumed the title of Kancho, Founder of the Yoshukai International System.
[ NDG Karate Club ( Now and Then, History, Alumni, Webpage ) | Yoshukai ( Organization, History, Kancho, Yoshukai, Crest ) ]
